Evaluating the Potential for using Earthworms to Produce Commercially Viable Animal Feed and Vermicompost Biofertilizer from Paper Mill Sludge

The main aim of this research project is to utilize the paper mill sludge, an organic waste product, as a value added product by converting it to animal feed that can be used by the poultry and aquaculture industries. The local paper mill produces wet paper sludge daily as an organic waste material. Currently this organic waste is burnt in the boiler by mixing it with bark and used oil. The research study will optimize the parameters needed to successfully complete the process with minimum retention time. This project will investigate creating an additional revenue stream for the mill while avoiding environmental concern of burning organic material or just dumping on lands. Local poultry and aquaculture industry would immensely benefit from this project as currently most of their animal feed are imported from mainland and transportation over long distance contributing to climate change as well as cost of production.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mano Krishnapillai;Lakshman Galagedara;Kalinga Jagoda

Student:

Partner:

Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program: