Process efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions in black soldier fly larvae composting of fruit and vegetable waste with and without pre-treatment

One technology that implements circular economy principles is black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) composting. To assess the environmental impact of BSFL technology, more data on emissions greenhouse gases (GHG) and ammonia are needed. This study investigated process efficiency GHG from composting orange peels a mix broccoli cauliflower trimmings, with without pre-treatment. Two weeks substrate pre-treatment or fungi (Trichoderma reesei) were investigated, direct evaluated. Process was evaluated by waste-to-biomass conversion (BCE) material reduction. In BCE not significantly improved pre-treatment, However, larval volatile solids (VS) load in pre-treated treatment very low, likely contributing to low BCE. (6%) peel control even lower pre-treatments, indicating this unsuitable for Material reduction largest trimmings (84%) (60%) fungi. Emissions methane (CH4) nitrous oxide (N2O), expressed CO2-eq, (0.04–1.57 g/kg initial wet weight (ww)) compared CO2 (47–147 ww). Fungi appeared make available larvae, while also drying out removing large proportion VS. Thus could be used increase waste capacity. Ammonia reduced CH4 N2O affecting overall BCE, but increased NH3 emissions.