Using Black Soldier Fly Larvae for Sustainable Waste Management and Food Security.

TL;DR:

This article explores the use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in recycling organic waste into protein-rich animal feed and organic fertilizer. It discusses the benefits of this approach in addressing food security, waste management, and several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also highlights how BSFL can contribute to reducing pressure on traditional protein sources, mitigating climate change, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Using Black Soldier Fly Larvae for Sustainable Waste Management and Food Security.

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have emerged as a promising solution for recycling organic waste into protein-rich animal feed and organic fertilizer. This sustainable approach addresses multiple global challenges, including food security and waste management, while contributing to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [1].

One of the major benefits of using BSFL to recycle organic waste is its potential to improve food security. Animal feed accounts for a significant portion of global food production, and using BSFL as a protein source can reduce the need for traditional protein sources such as soybeans and fishmeal [2]. This not only reduces pressure on wild fish stocks and soybean-producing lands but also increases the availability of protein sources for animal feed, helping to meet the increasing demand for meat, dairy, and eggs, especially in developing countries [3].

The use of BSFL in organic waste recycling also addresses waste management issues. Organic waste, including food scraps, agricultural waste, and sewage sludge, significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions and pollution [4]. By using BSFL to recycle this waste, we can reduce the amount of waste in landfills and capture and convert the carbon into valuable protein for animal feed and organic fertilizer [5]. This process can help mitigate climate change and improve air and water quality [6].

Furthermore, the use of BSFL aligns with several SDGs:

1. SDG 2 - Zero Hunger: BSFL as a protein source for animal feed can improve food security and nutrition by providing a sustainable and locally available protein source [7].
2. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production: BSFL recycling promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns by reducing waste [8].
3. SDG 14 - Life Below Water: Using BSFL as an alternative protein source for animal feed can help reduce pressure on wild fish stocks, vital for coastal communities and global protein supply [9].
4. SDG 15 - Life on Land: BSFL recycling can reduce the need for land used in soybean production and other traditional protein sources, potentially benefiting biodiversity. Additionally, BSFL byproducts used as organic fertilizer can improve soil health and promote sustainable agricultural practices [10].

In conclusion, using BSFL to recycle organic waste into protein-rich animal feed and organic fertilizer is an innovative and sustainable approach to addressing global food security, waste management, and sustainable development challenges. It offers a promising solution that contributes to multiple SDGs and promotes a more circular and sustainable food system [11].

References:

1. United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
2. Smetana, S., Schmitt, E., & Mathys, A. (2019). Sustainable use of Hermetia illucens insect biomass for feed and food: Attributional and consequential life cycle assessment. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 144, 285-296.
3. Van Huis, A. (2013). Potential of insects as food and feed in assuring food security. Annual Review of Entomology, 58, 563-583.
4. FAO. (2011). Global food losses and food waste – Extent, causes and prevention. Rome.
5. Lalander, C., Diener, S., Magri, M. E., Zurbrügg, C., Lindström, A., & Vinnerås, B. (2013). Faecal sludge management with the larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) — From a hygiene aspect. Science of The Total Environment, 458-460, 312-318.
6. Mertenat, A., Diener, S., & Zurbrügg, C. (2019). Black Soldier Fly biowaste treatment – Assessment of global warming potential. Waste Management, 84, 173-181.
7. van Loon, J. J. A., Schreven, S. J. J., & Dicke, M. (2016). Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae as a protein source for animal feed: A review. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 221, 86-102.
8. Čičková, H., Newton, G. L., Lacy, R. C., & Kozánek, M. (2015). The use of fly larvae for organic waste treatment. Waste Management, 35, 68-80.
9. Tacon, A. G. J., & Metian, M. (2013). Fish matters: Importance of aquatic foods in human nutrition and global food supply. Reviews in Fisheries Science, 21(1), 22-38.
10. Kebli, H., & Sinaj, S. (2017). Agronomic potential of a natural fertilizer based on fly larvae frass. Agrarforschung Schweiz, 8(3), 88-95.
11. Wang, Y. S., & Shelomi, M. (2017). Review of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) as Animal Feed and Human Food. Foods, 6(10), 91.