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Earthworms facilitate the stabilization of pelletized dewatered sludge through shaping microbial biomass and activity and community

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Abstract

In this study, the effect of earthworms on microbial features during vermicomposting of pelletized dewatered sludge (PDS) was investigated through comparing two degradation systems with and without earthworm E isenia fetida involvement. After 60 days of experimentation, a relatively stable product with low organic matter and high nitrate and phosphorous was harvested when the earthworms were involved. During the process, earthworms could enhance microbial activity and biomass at the initial stage and thus accelerating the rapid decomposition of PDS. The end products of vermicomposting allowed the lower values of bacterial and eukaryotic densities comparison with those of no earthworm addition. In addition, the presence of earthworms modified the bacterial and fungal diversity, making the disappearances of some pathogens and specific decomposing bacteria of recalcitrant substrates in the vermicomposting process. This study evidences that earthworms can facilitate the stabilization of PDS through modifying microbial activity and number and community during vermicomposting.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51168029).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, 730070, China

    Xiaoyong Fu, Guangyu Cui, Kui Huang, Xuemin Chen, Xiaoyu Zhang & Fei Li

  2. River Basin Research Center, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan

    Kui Huang & Fusheng Li

Authors
  1. Xiaoyong Fu
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  2. Guangyu Cui
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  3. Kui Huang
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  4. Xuemin Chen
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  5. Fusheng Li
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  6. Xiaoyu Zhang
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  7. Fei Li
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Correspondence to Xiaoyong Fu or Kui Huang.

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Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues

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Fu, X., Cui, G., Huang, K. et al. Earthworms facilitate the stabilization of pelletized dewatered sludge through shaping microbial biomass and activity and community. Environ Sci Pollut Res 23, 4522–4530 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-015-5659-0

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