Scientists at Petrozavodsk State University have patented a method for processing food waste using black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens). The development allows for the disposal of expired products from retail chains, producing feed and fertilizer.
The method involves mixing vegetable waste (60–80%), bakery products (at least 10%), and fermented milk products. The substrate is ground, moistened to 70–80%, and formed into a layer up to 10 cm thick. Then, second and third instar larvae are introduced — 20–30 g per kilogram of substrate.
Bioconversion occurs at room temperature. Complete processing is determined by the substrate changing color to dark brown. The larvae are separated and used as feed, and the vermicompost as fertilizer.
Substrate conversion reaches 79% — higher than known analogues (77% and 69.7%). One ton of waste yields about 220.6 kg of larval biomass and 360.5 kg of vermicompost.
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