Conversion Efficiency of Lignin-Rich Olive Pomace to Produce Nutrient-Rich Insect Biomass by Black Soldier Fly Larvae, Hermetia illucens

At present, organic waste management by insects is being practiced to produce insect biomass to combat food deficiency challenges and reduce the huge amount of waste. Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae are used to reduce and reutilise organic wastes to decrease animal feeding costs. This study examined the conversion efficiency of olive pomace residue (OPR) by BSF larvae to produce insect biomass. Different concentrations of OPR (0, 25, 50, and 75% of the substrate) mixed with wheat bran were used as substrates for BSF larvae. Our findings demonstrate that the amount of lignin increased by 233% with 75% OPR treatment (39.5 +/- 0.02%) as compared to the control treatment (11.9 +/- 0.04%), which prolonged the development period of pupae (27 days). Pioneer goals were achieved by reducing 19% of 75% OPR and converting it to 22% insect biomass. Moreover, the conversion efficiency from 75% OPR to insect biomass was high and found to be 33% for protein, 79.76% for lauric acid, and 65.05% for palmitoleic acid (omega-7). Thus, the present study increased the awareness regarding safe reuse, and valorised OPR as a good substrate for the sustainable development of BSF larvae.