Summary
This systematic review and bibliometric analysis synthesises peer-reviewed literature on microbial inoculants for waste valorisation into bio-organic fertilisers. The authors identified Bacillus, Acidothiobacillus, cyanobacteria, Aspergillus and Trichoderma as the most frequently studied genera, applied across sawdust, agricultural residues, bone meal, crustacean shell waste, food waste and sewage sludge ash using diverse bioconversion strategies including fermentation, composting and granulation. The review emphasises the potential of multi-functional microbial consortia combining enzymatic capabilities with plant growth promotion for circular nutrient recovery.
Regional applicability
The findings are relevant to UK policy on waste valorisation and circular economy principles in agriculture. Application potential is high given the UK's substantial volumes of food processing waste, agricultural residues and sewage sludge; however, regulatory approval and standardisation of microbial inoculant formulations would be required before widespread adoption in UK farming practice.
Key measures
Frequency and type of microbial inoculants used; waste substrate types processed; bioconversion strategies employed; enzymatic functionalities (chitinolysis, lignocellulolysis, proteolysis); plant growth promotion properties
Outcomes reported
The study identified key microbial species (Bacillus, Acidothiobacillus, cyanobacteria, Aspergillus, Trichoderma) and bioconversion strategies used to valorise waste streams into fertilisers. The analysis characterised enzymatic functionalities and plant growth-promoting properties of microbial consortia applied to diverse waste substrates.
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