Data-Driven Insights: Analysing Variables in Black Soldier Fly Larvae’s Transformation of Organic Waste

The objective of the research is to recognise the variables related to the biotransformation of vegetable waste, cooked meatless meal, raw meat and a combination of vegetables, cooked meal and grass for 17 days, by black soldier fly larvae. A conditioned reactor was used to maintain a stable temperature and relative humidity at 27 °C and 80%. An increase in the mass of larvae fed vegetables, meat and mixed waste was observed, while the growth of larvae fed cooked waste decreased after day 10, possibly due to a decrease in substrate moisture. The decrease in growth rate after day 12 was attributed to protein and lipid consumption during their metamorphosis to pupa. Moisture, pH, ash and density, as well as elemental and bromatological content of plant residues were analysed. The nutritional content of larvae fed with plant residues was also evaluated. The nutrient concentration and the carbon–nitrogen ratio in the manure were analysed. The results showed that the plant substrate had 77.1% moisture, a slightly acidic pH and an optimum carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of 17 for larval growth and development. Larvae fed with plant substrate had an extractable lipid content of 34.6%, and the bioconversion of nitrogen to protein corresponded to 32.31% (4.67CF). The larval survival rate was 96.67%. The frass (insect excrement) had a low nutrient content, suggesting that it may not have significant value as a fertiliser.