Smart Insect-Based Bio-Waste Management for Desert Ecosystems: A Review and Integrated Framework

Abstract

Desert ecosystems face major bio-waste management challenges due to high temperatures, water scarcity, and limited microbial activity, which reduce the efficiency of conventional treatment methods. In arid regions, bio-waste represents a large proportion of municipal solid waste, while landfilling and composting remain environmentally constrained. Insect-based bioconversion, particularly using Hermetia illucens larvae, has emerged as a promising alternative capable of reducing organic waste by 65–80% within 7–14 days while producing protein-rich biomass and nutrient-rich fertilizer. This review summarizes recent advances in insect-mediated bio-waste valorisation and highlights the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and automation for real-time monitoring and process optimization. A conceptual smart bio-waste management framework for arid environments is proposed, emphasizing climate adaptability, resource efficiency, and scalability. The proposed system offers rapid processing, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and minimal water requirements, supporting sustainable waste management in desert ecosystems.