Potential Applications of Frass Derived from Black Soldier Fly Larvae Treatment of Food Waste: A Review

Abstract

The disposal of large amounts of food waste has caused serious environmental pollution and financial losses globally. Compared to alternative disposal methods (landfills, incineration, and anaerobic digestion), composting by black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) is a promising alternative for food waste management. Despite extensive research into larval biomass, another valuable by-product generated from BSFL composting is BSFL frass. However, limited information is available for its potential application. The applications of BSFL frass can be intensified by understanding its physicochemical characteristics, benefits, and challenges of BSFL frass derived from food waste. BSFL frass is harvested after 9–23 days of the experiment, depending on the substrate used in the composting process. The generated BSFL frass could exceed 33% of the original weight of the substrate. The physicochemical characteristics of BSFL frass are as follows: the temperature after harvest is 24 °C to 27 °C, pH is 5.6–8.0, moisture content is 30 to 72%, C/N ratio is 8:1 to 27:1, high nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) content, and low heavy metal content. This paper reviews the characteristics, benefits, and application of BSFL frass. It will also investigate the challenges of using food waste substrates to produce BSFL frass, as well as the best way to pre-treat the food waste substrate and post-treat the BSFL frass.

Effects of black soldier fly frass on plant and soil characteristics : a literature overview

“…According to Basri et al (2022) compost with a C/N ratio below 20 is beneficial to plants because the organic nitrogen has mineralized to inorganic nitrogen, which is then available for plant absorption.…”

“…They found also genera that could be dangerous to human health, such as Bacillus, Myroides, Proteus, Providencia, and Morganella and proposed a bacterial risk assessment for frass. Basri et al (2022) reviews frass produced on food waste and its applications. They write that BSF frass has the characteristics of immature compost.…”

“…The biological instability of frass could thus be useful in agricultural practices that depend on the biological activities of added organic matter. Basri et al (2022) also mentioned that more research should be done on the varying composition of nutrients, microorganisms and bioactive compounds in the frass, its behaviour in soil and action in plant metabolism. Also post-processing measures to improve biological stability are important in future research.…”

Effects of frass from larvae of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) and yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) on growth and insect resistance in field mustard (Brassica rapa): differences between insect species and frass treatments

“…Following the rapid growth of the edible insect industry and the potential of frass as a viable fertilizer and its contribution to a circular economy, the European Commission has enacted legislation to regulate its production and use (EU Regulation 2021/1925). Analyses of frass produced by BSF larvae (BSFF) fed various food leftovers indicate that it ranges in total N content from 0.6 to 4.8%, in total phosphorus (P) content from 0.1 to 2.5%, and in potassium (K) content from 0.1 to 2.1%, as well as providing trace minerals and beneficial microorganisms (Choi & Hassanzadeh, 2019; Poveda, 2021; Basri et al., 2022). Mealworm frass (MWF), on the other hand, ranges in total N content from 2.7 to 7.8%, in total P from 1.0 to 1.5%, and in total K from 1.2 to 2.0%.…”

Chronological and Carbohydrate-Dependent Transformation of Fatty Acids in the Larvae of Black Soldier Fly Following Food Waste Treatment

“…The insectile treatment is a novel method for food waste valorization, and the utilization of black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens ) has been studied and applied in recent years [ 3 , 4 ]. Larvae of black soldier fly (BSFL) can feed on food waste and convert solid waste into animal feed and organic fertilizer [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. This process enables the efficient recycling of organic waste, which fulfills the United Nations’ concept of Sustainable Development Goal 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production [ 9 ].…”