Yorkshire Water creates a buzz in biosolids

Yorkshire Water is funding a three-month preliminary research programme to determine the ability of a fly larvae that is globally deployed in the production of animal feed, to be used to manage sewage sludge.

The water company has commissioned Fera Science to explore the use of fly to develop a circular, nature-based and cost-effective way to manage and reduce the volume of sewage sludge.

The black soldier fly and its larvae are being farmed worldwide as an alternative protein source that can be used in fish farming as well as pig and poultry feed – a process know as using a process known as insect bioconversion. Black soldier fly can be reared on various waste streams, including agricultural and food waste. Research is now underway to test the feasibility of using insect bioconversion in the wastewater treatment process.

Wastewater innovation programme manager at Yorkshire Water, Richard Kershaw, said: “Once the preliminary research has been completed, we will look to work with water company and commercial partners to fully explore the viability of insect bioconversion to help us manage this complex waste sustainably, safely and effectively.”

Fera has been active in insect bioconversion research and development in the UK and EU for the past ten years and built a laboratory in York. Principal scientist entomology at Fera, Dr Maureen Wakefield, is leading the research for Yorkshire Water: “The research project for Yorkshire Water is, by design, limited in scope but has the potential to point the way forwards to larger scale research programmes that may support companies to use circular solutions to manage complex wastewater streams effectively.”