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Automated counting and portioning of black soldier fly larvae
Waste processing by Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae is seen as a promising organic waste treatment technology, due to the high waste reduction potential while producing valuable products. Young BSF larvae are placed on organic waste where they feed for about two weeks, reducing the biomass by up to 70%. The grown larvae will be harvested and sold as a component of animal feed for fish and poultry or pet food. Entrepreneurs operating BSF facilities thus have the potential for creating inclusive business models, fostering job creation and achieving a circular economy.
For waste treatment, trays are filled with substrate and stocked with a clearly defined number of young larvae. The production of stocking larvae in constant quality and quantity is therefore a crucial point in every BSF facility.
Keywords: Black Soldier Fly; EAWAG; Counting; Organic Waste Treatment
In particular, counting and portioning the freshly hatched larvae, the so-called neonates, is time-consuming and therefore a cost factor. Currently, neonates are portioned based on their weight. This is critical as a young larva weighs just 18 µg. Stocking a crate with maggots would therefore require about 0.2 g of neonates. The resulting inaccuracy is significant and the cost of the precision scale is often unaffordable.
It is therefore necessary to develop a method that simplifies the counting and portioning of young BSF maggots.
In particular, counting and portioning the freshly hatched larvae, the so-called neonates, is time-consuming and therefore a cost factor. Currently, neonates are portioned based on their weight. This is critical as a young larva weighs just 18 µg. Stocking a crate with maggots would therefore require about 0.2 g of neonates. The resulting inaccuracy is significant and the cost of the precision scale is often unaffordable.
It is therefore necessary to develop a method that simplifies the counting and portioning of young BSF maggots.
The overall objective of this thesis is to develop a device that can count and portion young BSF larvae with little time effort.
Specific objectives of the thesis will be to:
i} To compare and evaluate counting and measuring applications that are already being used in other sectors.
ii) To design and construct a mechanism to count and portion young BSF larvae
**Approach and Methods**
• The device is supposed to be controlled via a single board computer (Raspberry Pi, Arduino).
• The total cost of the device should not exceed CHF 150 in the final version.
• The place of work is Dübendorf. Eawag has its own BSF colony, a well-equipped mechanical workshop and an electronics laboratory.
The overall objective of this thesis is to develop a device that can count and portion young BSF larvae with little time effort. Specific objectives of the thesis will be to:
i} To compare and evaluate counting and measuring applications that are already being used in other sectors.
ii) To design and construct a mechanism to count and portion young BSF larvae
**Approach and Methods**
• The device is supposed to be controlled via a single board computer (Raspberry Pi, Arduino).
• The total cost of the device should not exceed CHF 150 in the final version.
• The place of work is Dübendorf. Eawag has its own BSF colony, a well-equipped mechanical workshop and an electronics laboratory.
**Further information**
www.sandec.ch
www.sandec.ch/bsf-knowhow
**Interested candidates can contact**
Dr. Marc Kalina (ETHZ), mkalina@ethz.ch
Stefan Diener (EAWAG), Stefan.diener@eawag.ch
ETH for Development (ETH4D) aims to develop innovations that are directly relevant to improving the livelihoods of people in low-resource settings and to educate future leaders in sustainable development.