Conversion of Organic Refuse by Saprophages (CORS)

Saprophages are all organisms feeding of dead or decaying matter. Typical examples are earthworms, millipedes or insect larvae.

Conversion of organic refuse by saprophages is an innovative technique to treat organic waste in low and middle-income countries, with degraded organic matter and saprophage organisms themselves as treatment products.

Black Soldier Flies (Hermetia illucens) as “ecological engineers” in low- and middle-income countries

Introduction

In developing countries, typically one to two thirds of the solid waste generated is not collected. Organic waste contributes up to 50% of this waste. Often mixed with human and animal excreta, organic waste is dumped arbitrarily in streets and drains. Hence, it contributes to flooding, creates breeding places for disease transmitting insects and rodents, and causes olfactory nuisance. Treatment of organic waste by the larvae of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens L., could make collection and management of organic waste economically attractive and could potentially contribute to improved public health in low- and middle-income countries. During its larval stage, the non-pest H. illucens reduces organic waste at a high proportion and its presence repels house flies from laying eggs. Prepupae self harvest as they migrate to find pupation sites. They consist of 42% protein and 35% fat which makes them a valuable source of feedstuff.
Activities
This study had the objectives to understand the key biological and physico-chemical processes during the life cycle of the black soldier fly by means of laboratory experiments concerning feeding capacity and waste reduction potential. to assess possible obstacles and limitations in the context of low and middle-income countries by performing laboratory experiments using heavy metal-spiked food to facilitate replication and dissemination of this technology by acquiring experience with medium-scale studies in Costa Rica in close collaboration with local researchers and implementation partners. Publications: Are larvae of the Black Soldier Fly – Hermetia illucens – a financially viable option for organic waste management in Costa Rica?, Conference Paper Sardinia 2009, Cagliari, Italy Black Soldier Fly Larvae for Organic Waste Treatment – Prospects and Constraints, Conference Paper WasteSafe 2011, Khulna, Bangladesh		See what black soldier fly larvae can do with - Two rainbow trouts - A hamburger

Geographical Focus

Laboratory experiments will be performed at Eawag, Switzerland.
The pilot plant will be set up in Cartago, Costa Rica

Donors and Partners

The study will be carried out within the framework of a PhD thesis, sponsored by the Velux Foundation and in close collaboration with the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica.

For more information please contact Stefan Diener.