By Seojin David Lee
The Environmental Science & Technology journal published a revolutionary study: macro-organisms such as mealworms are not only capable of plastic decomposition but also safe for other animals to consume as protein-rich food.
Before the discovery made by a group of researchers at Stanford University, these particular mealworms were known to be able to digest polyethylene, the most commonly used chemical in producing plastic. The researchers brought more to the table: according to Anja Malawi Brandon, the same mealworms are also capable of decomposing another chemical called polystyrene. Such discovery is groundbreaking, as the two chemicals are quite dissimilar; hence, the mealworms are potentially capable of decomposing multiple types of plastic.
The subsequent revolutionary discovery emerged from the researchers' attempt to carry out their first breakthrough in plastic degeneration. The most obvious use case is the utilization of these mealworms to facilitate or manage natural plastic decomposition. In the process of their study, the researchers discovered that these mealworms could become safe, protein-rich food for other organisms. In fact, when the mealworms that fed on polyethylene, which could contain a bioaccumulative, toxic chemical called hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), were provided as food to Pacific white shrimp, researchers found that the shrimp had no trace of toxicity or bioaccumulation. The mealworms were able to completely digest the chemicals found in the plastic, which allowed them to be a safe source of food for the shrimp. The result is hopeful: such mealworms could be introduced into the ecosystems to not only aid in natural plastic decomposition but also become a protein source for other organisms.
Although the study of safety and whether there is no toxicity at all is ongoing, the two discoveries are certainly promising. These mealworms could lead to a new, plastic-free world.
Source:
https://bioplasticsnews.com/
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