{"id":1174,"date":"2026-09-30T11:24:16","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T14:24:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.ufpel.edu.br\/bionano\/?page_id=1174"},"modified":"2026-09-30T11:24:16","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T14:24:16","slug":"from-waste-to-resources-vermicompost-and-earthworm-protein-as-solutions-for-fruit-and-vegetable-disposal","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wp.ufpel.edu.br\/bionano\/producao-cientifica\/2026-2\/from-waste-to-resources-vermicompost-and-earthworm-protein-as-solutions-for-fruit-and-vegetable-disposal\/","title":{"rendered":"From waste to resources: Vermicompost and earthworm protein as solutions for fruit and vegetable disposal"},"content":{"rendered":"
Liciane Oliveira da Rosa, \u00c9rico Kunde Corr\u00eaa, Alvaro Renato Guerra Dias<\/p>\n
Abstract<\/h2>\n
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Food loss and waste, especially of fruits and vegetables, generate substantial organic residues. These residues present significant valorization potential. Vermicomposting uses earthworms to convert these wastes into organic fertilizer and earthworm biomass. The biomass can be processed into a protein-rich flour. This study evaluated vermicompost from fruit and vegetable residues produced by Eisenia fetida<\/em> and Eisenia andrei<\/em>. We assessed the properties of the vermicompost, the reproductive performance of the earthworms, and the nutritional value of the flour. The experiment used 80\u202fL vermireactors over 90 days. A completely randomized design was applied with three repetitions per treatment and 200 adult earthworms per reactor. Subsequently, the earthworm biomass was separated, sanitized, lyophilized, and ground into a fine flour. We analyzed the vermicompost for pH, electrical conductivity, moisture, organic matter, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Phytotoxicity was evaluated through the germination index. Earthworm reproduction, earthworm biomass, flour yield, flour composition, mineral content, and safety were also studied. Results showed that moisture, electrical conductivity, and the C\/N ratio decreased. Phosphorus, potassium, and pH levels increased, thereby improving vermicompost quality. The germination index remained above 80%, confirming the absence of phytotoxicity. Eisenia andrei<\/em> excelled in population growth and cocoon production. The earthworm flour exhibited high protein content, with species-specific differences in lipid, carbohydrate, and mineral composition. No Salmonella<\/em> spp. was detected, and toxic metal levels remained below recommended limits. These findings demonstrate that vermicomposting efficiently manages waste, produces high-quality fertilizer, and generates protein, supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n