Waste recovered bio-fertilisers for improving agricultural sustainability in Bangladesh

The CC sector is expanding but constrained by regulatory complexity and limitations. Compost quality was assessed against national and international standards. ACC generally produces higher-quality compost than UACC, yet toxic trace elements (TTEs), veterinary drug residues (VDRs), and mycotoxins (MTs) remain concerns, though at comparatively lower levels.

Thirty-three VDRs were detected, 40% banned for dairy animals. Fourteen MTs were identified, including emerging toxins such as beauvericin, with 100% of the compost contaminated. Feedstock type and process control strongly influence nutrient and contaminant levels.

Field trials on potatoes, T. Aman, and Boro rice show that compost and digestates, either alone or with triple superphosphate, can produce the same or better yields than chemical fertilisers while lowering Cd uptake. <br><br>The study highlights the role of bio-fertilisers in the circular economy and their relevance to One Health through VDRlinked antimicrobial resistance. The developed Accelerating Bio-fertiliser Model and community-based AD frameworks for biodegradation of MTs will advance sustainable agriculture in Bangladesh and will examine their global implications<br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2030.</i>