A Texas A&M entomology professor developed technology that promotes sustainable waste management solutions.
By Crystal Carter, Texas A&M Innovation, February 13, 2024
Jeff Tomberlin, Ph.D., professor in the Texas A&M University Department of Entomology and director of the Center for Environmental Sustainability, has dedicated years to studying the black soldier fly and its efficiency in converting waste material.
As explained in a Texas A&M AgriLife article, black soldier fly maggots provide a zero-waste option for organic recycling. Tomberlin expressed his enthusiasm for their potential impact on the waste management industry. “The black soldier fly presents a sustainable solution to the pressing challenges of waste disposal and resource scarcity.”
At the core of Tomberlin’s innovation lies the remarkable ability of black soldier flies to efficiently convert organic waste into high-quality biomass. “We’re essentially leveraging the natural behavior of black soldier flies to process organic waste efficiently,” said Tomberlin. “These flies can consume a wide range of organic materials, from kitchen scraps to agricultural residues, and convert them into nutrient-rich biomass.”
The process involves deploying specialized containers filled with organic waste, which attracts black soldier flies to lay their eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the waste, rapidly digesting it and transforming it into a protein-rich biomass.
Tomberlin, along with collaborators Fengchun Yang and Jonathan Cammack also from Texas A&M AgriLife Research, have created advancements in the long-term storage of black soldier fly larvae, which significantly increase the period during which black soldier fly neonates can be stored and the time larvae mature. This patent pending approach, called the Black Soldier Fly Billet, creates more stability in processes using black soldier fly larvae, allowing for a wider range of commercial applications.
Tomberlin’s invention has the potential for a significant impact on waste management practices, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional disposal methods. By diverting organic waste from landfills, his approach mitigates the emission of greenhouse gases and alleviates the strain on finite landfill capacities, thereby fostering a more sustainable waste management ecosystem.
Moreover, the biomass produced by black soldier fly larvae serves as a solution for the animal feed industry. Rich in essential nutrients and proteins, this biomass presents a viable alternative to conventional feed sources, such as soy or fishmeal, often associated with environmental degradation and resource depletion.
Tomberlin’s research has demonstrated the efficacy of black soldier fly biomass as a nutritious feed supplement for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture, offering a sustainable solution to the growing demand for protein sources in animal agriculture.
These efforts have played a major role in the development of a global industry focused on recycling organic wastes to produce materials of value, including, but not limited to feed for livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and pets.
Tomberlin completed his Ph.D. in Entomology at the University of Georgia and is a Presidential Impact Fellow and AgriLife Research Fellow in the Texas A&M University Department of Entomology as well as the Director of the National Science Foundation Center for Environmental Sustainability through Insect Farming.
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