A REVIEW OF SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION USING BLACK SOLDIER FLY LARVAE AND THEIR ROLE IN CONVERTING ORGANIC WASTE INTO BIO-BASED RESOURCES
Abstract
The escalating challenges of managing organic waste and the pressing need for sustainable alternatives in valuable products have fuelled interest in the potential of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae as an innovative and impactful solution. This review article comprehensively examines the multifaceted role of BSF in converting organic waste into valuable resources, particularly focusing on feeds, chitin, frass and biodiesel production. The introduction elucidates the significance of sustainable waste management and highlights the important role of BSF in this context. It highlights the importance of sustainable resource production methods and introduces BSF as a promising candidate. The article delves into the intricacies of organic waste management and the environmental ramifications of inadequate disposal, emphasising the urgent necessity for efficient waste conversion methodologies. The biological aspects of BSFL are expounded upon in the context of their life cycle, developmental stages, and nutritional requisites. An in-depth exploration of the conversion process reveals the feeding habits and substrate preferences of BSF, and the mechanisms underlying waste digestion and nutrient extraction. The bioconversion efficiency and waste reduction potential of BSF are critically evaluated, setting the stage for subsequent discussions on valorisation. The review emphasizes the diverse valorisation pathways of BSF, including their role as a nutrient-rich animal feed source. The environmental and economic benefits of BSF-based waste conversion are thoroughly examined, including reductions in organic waste volume and greenhouse gas emissions. A comparative analysis with conventional resource production methods is also presented. The article addresses challenges and limitations encompassing regulatory, ethical, and technological dimensions. Case studies and applications illustrate the successful integration of BSF in organic waste management and the production of valuable resources, demonstrating the feasibility and scalability of this approach, particularly in Malaysia.
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