Compostagem e vermicompostagem: revisão da literatura e análise experimental comparativa

Abstract

Increased consumption and unrestrained production of goods have resulted in large volumes of waste, which are often not disposed of correctly, overlanding landfills and resulting in other environmental problems, such as the emission of polluting gases, soil, water contamination, and the need to expand áreas designated for waste. According to data from the National Solid Waste Plan, organic waste accounts for more than 50% of total urban solid waste in Brazil, making urban solid waste management extremely challenging and necessary. Two very promising processes for recycling urban solid waste are composting and vermicomposting, biological processes of organic matter decomposition in na aerobic manner, which differ in that they use earthworms as decomposition agents, ingesting organic matter and excreting material rich in nutrients, and which can optimize the process of stabilizing this organic matter. From this perspective, the objectives of this study are to conduct a literature review on composting and vermicomposting in Brazil, using the PRISMA methodology, contributing to the knowledge and application of these techniques, carrying out a practical study comparing both techniques under controlled conditions, and comparing them with the expected results in relation to the literature review. The results of this research indicate that composting and vermicomposting processes are viable alternatives for recycling organic waste in Brazil, a country characterized by a diverse climate. In the present study, vermicomposting demonstrated superior practical performance compared to composting, highlighting the need to intensify research in the area of vermicomposting in the Brazilian context. The academic contribution of studies focused on the recycling of organic waste benefits not only the scientific community, but also fosters environmental education accessible to the general population.