Evaluación de adaptabilidad de Eisenia foetida en lodos lixiviados del camal municipal de la ciudad de Riobamba

Abstract

The adaptability of the Californian red earthworm (Eisenia foetida) in sludge generated in the municipal slaughterhouse from Riobamba was evaluated in this research. First of all, a sampling made up of 30 kg of sludge containing blood, urine and rumen content from cattle, sheep and pigs was carried out; this sample was pre-composted in a 30-day period. Subsequently, twelve experimental units were formed at the laboratory, these units contained 1.5 kg of leached sludge, 1 kg of humus, 500 and 250 grams of sawdust and a mass of earthworms of 50 and 75 grams, and two additional units were used as a control group. The temperature was monitored three times a week; at the beginning and at the end of the experiment, the following parameters were analyzed in the laboratory: pH, electrical conductivity, humidity, organic matter, (NO3)-, N-(NO3)-, P, (PO4)3-, (P2O5), (NH3), (NH4)+, N-(NH3), in order to know the level of decontamination of these parameters. Sixty days passed from the formation of the experimental units, the cultivation of Eisenia foetida and the duration of the adaptability tests. The results determined that the temperature at which Eisenia foetida adapts and develops is from 16 to 20.4 degrees Celsius; the main signal of adaptation of the earthworm to the substrate was the reduction in almost all the parameters analyzed, except in (NO3)- and N-(NO3)- when comparing the initial analysis with the final one, which is favorable due to the decontaminating action. As the time goes by, the substrate showed a darker coloration and a less compact consistency. Therefore, the adaptation of Eisenia foetida in this type of substrates has been positive; thus, its use at medium and large scale was recommended.