Mealworm larvae can break down polystyrene

An exciting discovery has been made in the fight against plastic pollution: mealworm larvae that can consume polystyrene. While it was previously known that some insect species could break down certain plastics, this ability has now been observed for the first time in an insect species native to Africa.

Polystyrene is a plastic material commonly used in food, electronics, and industrial packaging, known for its durability and difficulty in breaking down. Traditional recycling methods, such as chemical and thermal processes, are costly and can contribute to environmental pollution. These challenges have led scientists to explore biological methods for addressing plastic waste.

DISCOVERY BY SCIENTISTS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY

A team of scientists from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) discovered that mealworm larvae, native to Kenya, are able to feed on polystyrene and break it down with the help of bacteria in their digestive systems. The mealworm is the larval form of a darkling beetle belonging to the genus Alphitobius, with a larval period of 8 to 10 weeks. These larvae, commonly found in poultry farms, thrive in warm environments where a constant food source is available, allowing them to grow and reproduce quickly.

STUDY FINDINGS

The researchers subjected the larvae to a one-month trial. Some larvae were fed only polystyrene, some only bran (a nutritious food), and others were given a mixture of polystyrene and bran. The larvae fed a mixture of polystyrene and bran had a higher survival rate and consumed polystyrene more efficiently than those fed only polystyrene. This result highlighted the importance of the larvae's dietary balance.

GUT BACTERIA AND PLASTIC DEGRADATION

The composition of bacteria in the larvae's guts also underwent significant changes based on their diet. The scientists predict that these changes could help identify which microorganisms play a role in plastic degradation.

For example, larvae fed polystyrene had higher levels of bacteria such as Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, which can live in diverse environments and break down complex materials. Certain bacteria, including Kluyvera, Lactococcus, Citrobacter, and Klebsiella, are known to produce enzymes capable of digesting synthetic plastics.

FUTURE STEPS

Future research will focus on isolating the bacterial strains and enzymes involved in polystyrene degradation. If these enzymes can be applied at a large scale in recycling, it could make plastic waste management more efficient and sustainable.

This study also holds the potential to provide new insights into how plastic degradation can be applied under African environmental conditions, allowing for the development of region-specific plastic waste management strategies.

This research aims to lead the way in developing eco-friendly biological recycling methods as part of the global effort to combat plastic pollution.