Animal manure originating from livestock production is widely considered to be a subject of environmental and public health concern due to presence of veterinary antibiotics (VA) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARG). Vermicomposting by black soldier fly (BSF) larvae (Hermetia illucens) is a promising approach for reduction of VA concentrations and ARG abundance in manure. However, little is known about mechanisms and effects influencing VA degradation and ARG attenuation during BSF vermicomposting. This project will provide an insight into decomposing mechanisms of BSF vermicomposting, and will contribute to the understanding of the interaction between manure and BSF gut microbiome structure and VA degradation. The aims of the project are 1) to study degradation kinetics of selected VA and their degradation products in manure during larvae vermicomposting, 2) to evaluate potential influence of VA on larvae performance, and 3) to assess abundance of ARG and structure of manure and BSF gut microbiome during vermicomposting.

Sustainable Development Goals

Masaryk University is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to improve the conditions and quality of life on our planet by 2030.