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Recycling wastes, Biodigesters, Earthworms, Larvae

Marking scale: Pass with distinction = >80%; Pass with credit = 60-80%; Pass = 40-60%; Fail = <40%

Language: English

Prerequisites: English language test: 450 points in written International TOEFL test or 4.5 in academic IELTS test.

Duration: 1 week

Location: Cantho University

Objectives

After completing the course the student should be able to:

Describe the different forms of recycling that are applicable under farm conditions
Understand the biochemical processes that take place in anaerobic biodigesters
Describe the different forms of biodigester and the materials used in their construction
Describe the effects of different substrates used in biodigesters,
Describe the use of the effluent as fertilizer for crops and in fish ponds
Describe the life cycles of earthworms and fly larvae
Describe methods for growing earthworms and larvae of black soldier fly
Describe the effects of different substrates on growth and conversion rates of earthworms and black soldier flies

Content

History of development of biodigesters. Different models and their advantages and disadvantages for use on-farm. Biochemistry of anaerobic digestion of organic matter. Rates of gas production with different substrates. Composition and fertilizer value of biodigester effluent. Life cycles of earthworms and black soldier flies. Growing earthworms and fly larvae. Use of earthworms and fly larvae as feed for aquatic animals.

Scheduled activities                           Hours                          Compulsory
Lectures                                     approx. 12                              no
Exercises and discussions         approx. 32                              yes
Examination and evaluation     approx.   8                              yes

Individual studies, not scheduled

Literature studies approx. 8 no

Literature

Required reading

Recycling livestock and human excreta T R Preston and Lylian Rodriguez

Small-Scale Digesters In Costa Rica. Stephanre Lonzmg, Rau/ Botero Botero and jay Martin. EARTH University

Overview of Anaerobic digestion of Livestock & Food Processing Biomass for Energy

Floyd Schanbacher

Examination

Written examination and/or oral presentation of assignments