Yorkshire Water and Fera Science Ltd are collaborating in early-stage research to explore and test the feasibility of using insect bioconversion to manage sewage sludge.

Richard Kershaw, Wastewater Innovation Programme Manager, Yorkshire Water said: “Yorkshire Water is committed to exploring innovative approaches to dealing with the most challenging aspects of waste water management, including sewage sludge. The science of insects and their ability via bioconversion to manage a variety of challenging waste streams safely and effectively is building exponentially. Hence our interest in and commitment to funding preliminary work with Fera using black soldier fly larvae on sewage sludge.”

Yorkshire Water have agreed a three-month preliminary research programme managed by Fera. Four samples of sewage sludge from different geographical locations and type of wastewater treatment plant will be examined to determine the ability of these samples to support insect development.

Dr Maureen Wakefield, Principal Scientist Entomology at Fera is leading the research for Yorkshire Water: “The research project for Yorkshire Water being run by Fera is, by design, limited in scope but has the potential to point the way forwards to larger scale research programmes that may support companies in managing complex waste water streams, including sewage sludge, utilising insects.”      

Following the successful completion of the initial research, there is the potential for Fera to work with Yorkshire Water, and other appropriate partners, to scale up the research focusing on the vital topic of safety as well as feasibility and the potential of volume reduction of the complex waste stream.

Richard Kershaw of Yorkshire Water continues: “Once the research results and recommendations for taking the work forward have been received from Fera, we are ready to work in partnership to fully explore the potential of insect bioconversion to help us and other companies to manage this complex waste sustainably, safely and effectively.”

Further information on Fera’s Insect Research Laboratory and Insect Bioconversion is available here: https://www.fera.co.uk/insect-bioconversion-services