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Black Soldier Fly Biowaste Processing - A Step-by-Step Guide
Abstract and Figures
Recycling organic waste material (biowaste) still remains fairly limited, especially in low- and middle-income
settings, although this is by far the largest fraction of all generated municipal waste. This book deals
with urban organic municipal waste from households, commercial activities, and institutions. It describes
the approach of biowaste conversion by insect larvae, using the example of the Black Solider Fly (BSF),
Hermetia illucens.
This engineered biosystem consists of feeding segregated biowaste to BSF larvae which have been reared
in a nursery. Larvae grow on the waste feedstock and reduce its biomass. At the end of the process, larvae
are harvested and, if necessary, post-processed to a suitable animal feed product.
This guide has been prepared for practical use, explaining the required materials and equipment, as well as
each working step similar to a cookbook with its respective recipes. It includes all information necessary
to develop and operate a BSF waste processing facility. The guide highlights the gaps where information is
scarce or unavailable and points to further research and development that are required.
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... Data are reported per FU (1 t of OFMSW). Data were obtained fromDortmans et al. (2017) and(Mertenat et al. (2019) ...
... Data are reported per FU (1 t of OFMSW). Data were obtained fromDortmans et al. (2017) andMertenat et al. (2019) ...
Biowaste treatment with Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae is an alternative option for organic waste valorization. Its environmental impacts should be assessed and compared with conventional treatment options. The research aims to evaluate the treatment of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) with BSF larvae through a life cycle assessment (LCA). This study employed data inventories from literature and aimed to provide a wide range of production parameter values to identify the potentialities of BSF treatment in the best-case and worst-case scenarios. The SimaPro9, the database Ecoinvent3.5, and the impact assessment method IMPACT 2002+ have been employed for the analysis. A sensitivity analysis of relevant parameters was conducted, considering the avoided impacts that can be obtained thanks to the exploitation of larvae proteins for bioplastics or fishmeal production. Research findings highlight six main environmental impact indicators: respiratory inorganics (kg PM2.5-eq), ozone layer depletion (kg CFC-11-eq), terrestrial ecotoxicity (kg TEG soil), land occupation (m² organic arable), global warming (kg CO2-eq), and non-renewable energy (MJ primary). The most relevant process generating impacts is BSF breeding, followed by boiling, storage, and OFMSW treatment. The environmental performance is better when the conventional fishmeal substituted, thanks to BSF larvae production, is made from areas 10,000 km far, implementing a 100% renewable energy scenario, reducing the energy consumption by 50%, increasing the lifespan of the equipment to 15 years, and products are employed locally. The current study represents the first attempt to evaluate the global higher or lower environmental impact scenario related to OFMSW treatment through BSF larvae.
Graphical Abstract
... Furthermore, substantial quantities of lauric, palmitic, and oleic acids have been found in BSF larvae (Surendra et al., 2016). BSF can be found in and around feces from animals, poultry, pigs, and humans (Dortmans et al., 2017). ...
... They have also been found colonizing vegetable and fruit trash, municipal organic wastewater, and household and industrial garbage (Barragan et al., 2017). Larvae can be fed a wide variety of nitrogen and calcium-rich organic wastes in BSF culture units (Dortmans et al., 2017). Food with a moisture content of 52-70 % is preferred by BSF larvae (Shumo et al., 2019). ...
Microbiological tests are both costly and time consuming. However, the
predictive models used to estimate the microbiological growth and shelf-life
of fishery products are time and cost effective. The rise in such studies is
significant in terms of assessing fish quality and shelf-life.
In parallel with the increasing population and nutritional needs,
researches in the field of food microbiology are increasing in importance in
order to provide food products safety.
In the food industry, the approach of mathematical models has become
necessary to better understand microbial behavior and investigate the
accuracy of applied processes based on the actual shelf-life and microbial
safety of foods. Today, depending on the developing computer technology,
the possibilities of using predictive models as software in food microbiology
have also increased.
However, the use of existing modeling software in the food industry is
still not common. Through this section, users were informed about predictive
models, their use in terms of bacteral growth and shelf-life of fishery products
during storage, and the criteria to be considered in choosing a good model.
As a result, in the future, estimating the shelf-life of food and aquatic
products using predictive models rather than microbiological analyses and
estimating bacterial species that may pose a risk in products will be preferable
methods to those used today. Predictive models are expected to be a very
useful and valuable tool in both research and industrial food conservation
processes in the future. It is believed that the development of many software
that provides faster and more reliable information from predictive models will
continue.
... Black soldier fly eggs were from the research colony at Eawag (Dübendorf, Switzerland) operated according to Dortmans et al. (2017). Neonates that hatched within 24 h were reared at 28 • C with relative humidity of 70 % on chicken feed (75 % moisture content, UFA 620, Switzerland) for 6-7 days until reaching a mean individual weight of 1-3 mg DM. ...
... In this study, the substrates varied in nutrient and fiber composition (Table 1, Fig. 1). Moisture contents were 74-75 %, within the optimal range (e.g., 70-80 %) for BSFL rearing (Dortmans et al., 2017). Cow manure was the exception, with 91 % moisture content. ...
Biowaste treatment with black soldier fly larvae (BSFL, Hermetia illucens L.) can promote a more sustainable food system by reusing nutrients that would otherwise be wasted. However, many agri-food wastes and byproducts are typically high in lignocellulosic fibers (i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin), making it resistant to efficient larval and/or microbial degradation. Ammonia pretreatment could be used to partially degrade lignocel-lulose, making the biowaste more easily degradable by the larvae and/or microorganisms. This study evaluated ammonia pretreatment for lignocellulose degradation and its effect on BSFL performance on four fibrous bio-wastes: brewers spent grain, cow manure, oat pulp, and grass clippings. First, the optimal ammonia dose (1 % or 5 % dry mass) and pretreatment time (three or seven days) were assessed by measuring fibers after treatment and further examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Second, BSFL rearing performance on ammonia-pretreated substrates was assessed with a 9-day feeding experiment. Three-day pretreatment with 5 % ammonia was chosen as it decreased the total fiber content by 8-23 % for all substrates except cow manure. Contrary to expectations, ammonia pretreatment with all substates decreased BSFL rearing performance metrics by more than half compared to the untreated control. Follow-up experiments suggested that ammonia pretreatment had a dose-dependent toxicity to BSFL. Interestingly , three-day fermentation of cow manure and oat pulp increased bioconversion rate by 25-31 %. This study shows that ammonia pretreatment is not suitable before BSFL rearing. Ammonia toxicity to BSFL and other pretreatments, such as fermentation, should be further studied.
... The flies were provided with 3% (w:v) sugar solution and water. Eggs were harvested daily from the oviposition site made of perforated plastic balls (Bioball, Berlan GmbH, Klingenthal, Germany) and placed above a 200 mL box filled with dead adult flies from the previous generation surrounded by boxes with fermenting chicken starter feed (Trede & von Pein GmbH, Itzehoe, Germany) to stimulate egg laying (Dortmans et al., 2017). Larvae hatched from the egg-laying balls in new hatching boxes with closed lids. ...
Phosphorous (P) resources are finite. Sewage sludge recyclates (SSR) are not only of interest as plant fertilizer but also as potential source of minerals in animal nutrition. However, besides P and calcium (Ca), SSR contain heavy metals. Under EU legislation, the use of SSR derivatives in animal feed is not permitted, but given the need to improve nutrient recycling, it could be an environmentally sound future mineral source. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) convert low-grade biomass into valuable proteins and lipids, and accumulate minerals in their body. It was hypothesized that BSFL modify and increase their mineral content in response to feeding on SSR containing substrates. The objective was to evaluate the upcycling of minerals from SSR into agri-food nutrient cycles through BSFL. Growth, nutrient and mineral composition were compared in BSFL reared either on a modified Gainesville fly diet (FD) or on FD supplemented with either 4% of biochar (FD + BCH) or 3.6% of single-superphosphate (FD + SSP) recyclate (n = 6 BSFL rearing units/group). Larval mass, mineral and nutrient concentrations and yields were determined, and the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) was calculated. The FD + SSP substrate decreased specific growth rate and crude fat of BSFL (P < 0.05) compared to FD. The FD + SSP larvae had higher Ca and P contents and yields but the BAF for Ca was lowest. The FD + BCH larvae increased Ca, iron, cadmium and lead contents compared to FD. Larvae produced on FD + SSP showed lower lead and higher arsenic concentration than on FD + BCH. Frass of FD + BCH had higher heavy metal concentration than FD + SSP and FD (P < 0.05). Except for cadmium and manganese, the larval heavy metal concentration was below the legally permitted upper concentrations for feed. In conclusion, the SSR used could enrich BSFL with Ca and P but at the expense of growth. Due to the accumulation of Cd and Mn, BSFL or products thereof can only be a component of farmed animal feed whereas in BSFL frass heavy metal concentrations remained below the upper limit authorized by EU.
... The larvae were fed with a substrate composed of wheat bran, soya meal and corn meal Tomberlin et al. 2009;Danieli et al. 2019) mixed with water (85% moisture level) in a 3 L plastic box. Later, they were kept in the dark under a wooden net cage having proper aeration and sunlight penetration (Dortmans et al. 2017). The schematic view of experimental setup for BSF rearing is shown in Fig. 1. ...
In this present study, different life-history attributes of Black Soldier fly (BSF) such as mating, oviposition activity, larval and adult weights, survival, etc. were investigated under the effect of two different light sources (Sunlight and Halogen light). The light exposure was for 9 h per day in both the experimental conditions. It was observed that sunlight exposure enhanced the mating and oviposition activity in adult females over halogen light. The total development time and days to first prepupa and adult fly emergence were also significantly different (p < 0.05). The egg hatchability also varied differently in halogen light (67%) and sunlight (92%) however, there was not any significant difference in the weights of larva (0.17 g), prepupa (0.14 g), pupa (0.12 g) and adult flies (0.05 g) in both the experimental conditions. The larval (87% and 89%) and prepupal (74% and 75%) survival rate also did not vary in both the treatments. Moreover, the overall physiological significance of the entire study has been dealt in detail in the full paper.Graphical Abstract
... Organic waste can be given every day until the larvae are not actively eating or reach the stage (pre-pupae). The results of decomposition by BSFL are also called maggot residues (kasgot), which can be used as compost (Dortmans et al., 2017). Composting using BSFL is able to convert 100% of organic waste by producing 60-70% compost and 30-40% into protein-rich larval body weight (Sastro, 2016). ...
Purpose: Organic waste processing can be done through composting. This study aims to see the effect of variations in the types and sizes of market organic waste in composting using Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL). Theoretical framework: Market-generated organic waste needs to be handled without harming the environment. Composting is the proper method for treating organic waste from markets. BSFL is one of the organisms that can be utilized as a catalyst for the breakdown of organic waste. In many ways, using BSFL as an agent to break down organic materials is a profitable recycling technique. When it comes to waste management, BSFL can transform a variety of organic waste types, including animal manure, boosting the organic waste's value as a recyclable resource. Method/design/approach: Market organic waste composting using BSFL. This composting uses several variations. The variation of this study consisted of six variations. Variation 1 (100% of fruit waste with manual chopped), 2 (100% fruit waste with machine shredded), 3 (100% vegetable waste with manually chopped), 4 (100% vegetable waste with machine chopped), 5 (65% fruit waste + 35% vegetable waste with manual chopped), and 6 (65% fruit waste + 35% vegetable waste with machine chopped). Results and conclusion: Compost analysis was carried out on the maturity, quality, and quantity of compost produced. A scoring system selects the optimum variation with the best variations obtained from variations 1 and 5. The highest waste reduction index and reduction rate were obtained from variation 1 as 6.755 % and 94.571%. Research implications: Utilization of BSFL as a market organic waste decomposition agent into compost that has a selling value or is used to fertilize plants. Originality/value: Effect of variations in types of waste (fruit waste and vegetable waste) and waste size on composting using BSFL.
... The authors wish to express their gratitude to Cortes Ortiz et al., 2016, Naseem et al., 2021, Dortmans et al., 2017 and the copyright permission agencies for taking hints or modified materials. We also acknowledge the reviewers and well-wishers who always help in approaching the scientific research. ...
Insects have been the worthiest group in this universe for ecosystem sustainability and the promising approaches to resolving the problem of food security. Food development and energy-rich food have been the main theme of food production industries, researchers, and food security agencies in the present era. Insects are very much promising as an alternative source of animal protein. The efficiency of feed conversion, nutritional value, easy production, and low content of water use make it more suitable for animal-based protein production. This can be a good source for the growth of the human population. Still, it needs the basic methods for its productions, storage, marketing, processing, distribution, and the most important legislation (for its use and commercialization as food. Presently, the main important concept is to produce insects and their products in bulk, which fulfill animal proteins' demands. This chapter describes the current methods and technologies for the production of insects as food and feed. Moreover, it also presents the insect's features for automated rearing, what are the general methods for its production, nutritional value, equipment for rearing, species-specific processing and technologies (Black soldier fly, Mealworm, Housefly, Cricket, Waxworm), control measures for the environment, supply chain and challenges for insects industry. The chapter reviews the contents in detail to better the industry and make the environment good for processing and producing insects as food and feed.
Aquaculture has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing food sub-sectors, providing quality protein to better the livelihoods of rural communities alongside curbing malnutrition and food security globally. Nonetheless, the industry’s sustainability has been threatened by the high cost of fish feeds, which account for approximately 60–70% of the total operational costs. Fish meal (FM) has been extensively utilised as the main source of protein in the diets of farmed finfishes. However, due to declining capture fisheries and competing uses from other animal feed producers, the ingredient has become a scarce resource with limited availability and high prices. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have been identified as a promising alternative protein source in fish feeds. BSFL are documented to have high nutritional content: crude protein (of up to 64% dry matter), essential amino acids, fatty acids, and other micro-nutrients which are vital for the growth of fish. BSFL meal has the potential success of replacing FM in the diets of various fish species. This chapter focuses on analysing recent research work in BSFL proximate and chemical composition, its current utilisation in fish feeds and gaps to be filled in its complete utilisation as an ingredient in commercial feed production. This information is expected to help both cottage and commercial fish feed producers utilise BSFL in feed production in Kenya and further will promote the sustainability of the aquaculture industry.KeywordsAquacultureBlack soldier fly larvaeFish feeds
Oreochromis niloticus
Restaurants are one of the largest organic waste sources in a region, but waste from restaurants has not been treated well, resulting in it ends directly in a landfill. Black soldier fly (BSF) treatment is an emerging technology that can turn organic waste into high-protein feed. The utilization of BSF is carried out by converting organic waste into BSF larvae. BSF larvae are an effort that can be used for recycling organic waste. Therefore, special attention is needed for the utilization of organic waste from restaurants. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of BSF larvae utilization in restaurant waste processing and observe the influence of the environment, particularly the intensity of light on the development of larvae. Organic waste from restaurants is set to a moisture content of 80%. The organic waste is used as a food source for larvae with exposure to three different lighting variants, namely 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness, 24 hours of darkness, and 24 hours of light. The results of this study indicated that restaurant waste could be processed with the help of BSF. Variation of light to larvae resulted in a decrease in waste by 37.77%, 37.78%, and 37.60%. The highest reduction occurred in dark lighting conditions 24 hours. Statistical tests show that light intensity has a significant effect on larvae weight.
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