Potential Study of Using Earthworms as an Enhancement to Treat High Strength Wastewater

Abstract

The aim of this research was to preliminarily investigate the potential of earthworms to reduce clogging by introducing into the lab-scale wetland-like reactors receiving high strength wastewater, which were swine wastewater in Thailand, and domestic wastewater in Germany. The preliminary results indicated that every unit with earthworms had no sign of clogging regardless of the type of wastewater, whereas clogging was the case in the
units without earthworms receiving swine wastewater. Both studies reflected similarity, which exhibited little treatment in every microcosm. It could be implied that earthworms could thrive within the wetland body due to the survival rate of 50% for the one receiving domestic wastewater and higher than 85% for the one receiving swine wastewater. It is possible that the competition for food among earthworms is higher in domestic wastewater than in swine wastewater. With this technique, clogging potential could be reduced. Further
scale-up of the experiment is strongly suggested.