Vermitransformation of biodegradable disposable tableware

Background.The recycling efficiency of disposable tableware can be increased with the help of vermiculture. The optimization of the substrate composition on the basis of the potential toxicity of biodegradable tableware and the use of earthworm prefererence reaction is necessary. Purpose.The aim of this study was to test the potential toxicity of water extracts from biodegradable tableware sold on the Irkutsk market and find the optimal feed mixtures for tableware vermiculture. Materials and methods.Disposable sugar cane and corn starch tableware were used in the study (Green Mystery, Eco Friendly, etc.).The level of toxicity of the water extracts of the biodegradable samples was measured using the test-objects: small duckweed (Lemna minor L.),the seeds of Lepidium sativum and terrestrialoligochaetes (Eisenia foetida andrei Bouche). Mature worms were put into the substrate to assess the ability of E. foetida to process biodegradable disposable sugar cane tableware. Results.Biodegradable disposable sugar cane tableware accounts for 23.5 % of the Irkutsk market. Biotesting conducted on the test plants has revealed the safety of sugar cane tableware. The growth rate of duckweed fronds has increased by 5.7-6.3%,there has been an increase by 1.8% in the aqueous corn starchextract. The experiment on oligochaete survival has proved the safety of sugar cane tableware (100 % survival). Corn starch tableware has shown a little toxicity. The length of the sprouts of L. sativum has decreased and made up 20±1.2%, 33±3.5% of earthworms of E. foetida used in biotesting on earthworms were unviable. After earthworm incubation in the substrate with sugar cane tableware the number of young earthworms has gone up by 69.2±3.0%, the cocoons – 154.5±4.5%. Conclusion.Biodegradable disposable sugar cane tableware can be used for vermitransformation.