Transforming waste with black soldier fly larvae for producing high-quality organic fertilizers

Managing organic waste streams is a challenge worldwide and its bioconversion with insect larvae represents a potentially sustainable approach. This project investigates several aspects of waste bioconversion, aiming to produce high-quality, functional fertilizers.

Waste streams should not be seen as discarded materials with no further use, but rather as valuable resources. While most of the world’s economy remains linear, more circular approaches are necessary to mitigate some of the negative impacts of food production systems. When converting waste with black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), it is possible to obtain a protein-rich ingredient for animal feeding (larval biomass) and an incredible fertilizer (frass) for use in crop production. However, this fertilizer is produced within a maximum of two weeks, thus it is slightly unstable and many of its properties remain unknown. This project was then designed with the aim of understanding how this fertilizer works in the soil-plant system, which are its benefits and challenges and how can we improve it to ensure its safety and enhance its potential for a more sustainable agriculture.

- Scientific publications

Recirculating frass from food waste bioconversion using black soldier fly larvae: Impacts on process efficiency and product quality. Journal of Environmental Management 366: 121869. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121869

Dynamics of black soldier fly larvae composting–Impact of substrate properties and rearing conditions on process efficiency. Waste Management 172: 25-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2023.08.045

- Student thesis

Master thesis: Nikolaos Gyftopoulos. 2024. Investigating frass recirculation in BSFL treatment as a method for improved sanitization. Uppsala University.

Facts

The project is funded by: Mobility Grant for Early-Career Researchers (FORMAS)

Duration of the project: December 2022 - December 2026

Project Leader: Ivã Guidini Lopes

Other contributors: Jean Wan Hong Yong, Cecilia Lalander, Björn Vinnerås