An inclusive approach for organic waste treatment and valorisation using Black Soldier Fly larvae: A review.

Abstract

Solid waste management and its stabilization are a sophisticated task and the most challenging one as it requires improved collection and treatment strategies. From the past decades, there is a huge emphasis on valorisation of waste along with its management i.e. an integrated and income generating sustainable approach for solid waste management. Use of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) in organic waste composting is a novel and an environment friendly approach which holds enormous potential and therefore, is strongly captivating people's attention worldwide. The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae composting is a self-sustained cost-effective method promoting high resource recovery and generating value added products thereby developing new economical niches for industrial sector and entrepreneurs in developing countries. Here, we reviewed the importance of BSF larvae in organic waste treatment and delineated the life cycle patterns, feeding habits and environmental conditions affecting the survival of the species. This review paper has also congregated the efficiency of BSF larvae to compost different types of organic wastes or biomasses and a portion of various possible end applications of these avid eaters. Through this literature review the authors have also made an attempt to evaluate the present constraints, research gaps and future directions associated with this technology. BSF larvae composting is a comprehensive approach indeed providing the waste an aforementioned value wherein technological innovations can boost up the efficiency of system. Thus, the present study is an aggregate of applications of BSF larvae for societal benefit in a holistic way.