Utilization of Hydrilla Through Earthworm Cultivation to Enhance Amino Acid Content and Promote Waste Recycling

This study examines the valorization of the invasive aquatic weed Hydrilla verticillata through earthworm (Eisenia fetida) cultivation, highlighting improvements in amino acid profiles and sustainable waste recycling. Earthworms cultured on Aquatic weed Hydrilla verticillata displayed significantly elevated concentrations of several essential amino acids compared to control worms. Notably, lysine increased by 40% (from 4.5 ± 0.17 to 6.3 ± 0.66 g/100 g), leucine by 57.14% (from 4.2 ± 0.12 to 6.6 ± 0.46 g/100 g), and isoleucine by 70.37% (from 2.7 ± 0.70 to 4.6 ± 0.32 g/100 g). Among non-essential amino acids, glutamic acid showed a 54.5% rise (from 4.4 ± 1.00 to 6.8 ± 0.78 g/100 g), and alanine increased by 32.1% (from 2.8 ± 0.34 to 3.7 ± 0.36 g/100 g). The dominant essential and non-essential amino acids were leucine and glutamic acid, respectively. These augmentations are credited to the protein-rich nature of Hydrilla, suggesting that worms cultured on this weed can serve as high-quality protein sources for livestock feed. Vermicomposting of Hydrilla aids in managing its ecological overgrowth, turning a challenging weed into a value-added contribution for organic waste recycling and sustainable animal nutrition.