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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Rethinking Food Waste with BSFL

CSEF · 2023 Environmental Engineering Third Award

Torosyan Leonna · 7

Overview

My science experiment is about Hermetia Illucens (a.k.a., “Black Soldier Fly”). The larvae (“BSFL”) from this fly can quickly eat food waste items and turn them into much needed protein and soil amendment. The BSFL uses an aerobic process to consume food compared to the anaerobic process that takes place on landfills, which emits harmful gasses like methane that can be up to 70 times hotter than CO2! My hypothesis is, the Black Soldier Fly Larvae can eat food waste in less than a week. To test my hypothesis, I conducted an experiment in my home in Los Angeles, from February 21 through February 28. I collected food waste and separated it into various bins. Four bins had Black Soldier Fly Larvae while the other four did not. After observing both bins and measuring results, I found that the control bins rot, collect fungus and mold, and release strong odors while the BSFL were able to eliminate most of the food before any mold or fungus appeared. All that was left were plump worms and castings. These mature, protein-filled, BSFL can be used as feed for other animals like chickens and fish, and their castings can be used as fertilizer for farming fruits and vegetables. My experiment supported my hypothesis because the BSFL did eliminate most food items in less than a week. In fact, they prevented mold and fungus from appearing and releasing methane into the atmosphere.

Source coverage

This record comes from a published award list, not a complete project archive. Its abstract comes from CSEF's public project showcase as archived by the Internet Archive before judging (https://web.archive.org/web/20230401224130/https://ca-csef.zfairs.com/showcase/ShowcaseInfo?f=838e60b7-ea75-46e8-865c-fde4864244b3); the version presented may differ.

Awards (2)

Competition history

  • CSEF 2023 Environmental Engineering · Entry J1110

Resources

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