Categories: Sci/Tech

Styrofoam-eating Worms May Just be the Answer to Global Plastic Pollution Problems

Researchers discover that mealworms have the ability to biodegrade plastic - with a little help from microbes.

Scientists may have just discovered nature’s secret weapon against the looming problem of increasing pollution due to non-biodegradable plastics – the mealworm.

Studies done by researchers from Beihang University and Stanford University found that mealworms can degrade polyethylene because of microorganisms inside their gut. According to Wu, “The findings are revolutionary. This is one of the biggest breakthroughs in environmental science in the past 10 years.”

Mealworms are the larvae form of darkling beetles.

Photo credit: CNN

The researchers experimentally fed the mealworms with styrofoam and observed that they converted the plastic into carbon dioxide, biodegradable waste, and worm biomass. Those who were fed with styrofoam were as healthy as those fed with the normal diet of bran.

After this breakthrough discovery, the team is now interested in testing the mealworm’s ability to degrade polypropylene, which is used to manufacture car parts, textiles, and microbeads.

Through this major discovery, scientists may just find a new way of solving plastic pollution.

Photo credit: ipsnews.net

Their discovery might just be the answer to the global problem of plastic pollution. By studying the process of how mealworms degraded the plastic, scientists may be able to find a new way to degrade plastic or even produce plastics that are easier to break down. However, Wu states that the use of mealworms is still not a substitute for recycling; good plastic management and recycling should be first and topmost priority in addressing environmental problems due to plastics.

Source: CNN

Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

March 14th Holiday – Pi Day or Something Else?

Table of Contents: Introduction: The Significance of the March 14th Holiday The Mathematical Marvel: Unraveling…

November 1, 2023

Mystery Of Missing Pages

Who made them disappear? What was the reason? Where did they go? Why? Gather round,…

July 26, 2023

Bees Kill Penguins by Stinging Them in the Eyes

Swarm of bees stings the eyes of penguins in Cape town 60 penguins died from…

November 16, 2021

2000 Kilogram Sunfish Caught Off North African Coast

A massive ocean sunfish measuring 2,000 kilograms was caught on North African Coast It is named Mola alexandrini or…

November 16, 2021

Man Embezzles $57K in COVID-19 Relief to Buy Pokemon Cards

A businessman in Georgia utilized the Covid-19 relief to buy a limited edition Charizard Pokemon card He committed…

November 8, 2021

Florida Man Catches and “Recycles” Alligator in Driveway

Man captures an alligator in his neighbor's yard in FloridaHe uses a trash can to…

November 1, 2021

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience.