The initial materials for vermicompost are highly toxic (e.g., sewage sludge). However, earthworms (vermicomposting) stabilise this material, and the end product, vermicompost, is safe for agricultural use. On the other hand, Earthworm tissues are high in potentially toxic elements (e.g., Pb, Cr, Cd,...) and organic micropollutants (e.g.,Endocrine disrupting chemicals , Pharmaceutical and personal care products, Polychlorinated biphenyls, and Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ). So, how do we manage a massive biomass of earthworms containing high levels of toxic substances?
Thank you for the scientific discussion.