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Lesser Mealworms: The Unexpected Allies in Fighting Plastic Waste
In the ongoing battle against plastic pollution, scientists have discovered an unlikely hero: the lesser mealworm. Originally native to Africa, this beetle larva has since spread across the globe. According to recent research, these tiny creatures have an extraordinary ability they can munch on plastic and break it down.
Image credit scientific Reports / CC BY-NC-ND
A Solution to Plastic Pollution in Africa and Asia
The implications of this discovery could be particularly significant for regions like Africa and Asia, where plastic waste poses a growing environmental threat. Despite contributing only about 5% of the global plastic waste, Africa is the world’s second most polluted continent, trailing only behind Asia, as noted by the World Health Organization. Researchers released their findings on September 12 in the journal Scientific Reports, revealing that lesser mealworms can digest polystyrene a type of plastic commonly found in Styrofoam food containers and packing materials. The study, led by Dr. Fathiya Khamis from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in Kenya, is groundbreaking. It marks the first documented case of lesser mealworms from Africa being able to digest plastic. Intriguingly, this discovery adds to previous research involving other mealworm species worldwide.
Breaking Down Plastic with Bran Boost
The study showed that these larvae were able to consume nearly half of the polystyrene provided to them. The process was even more efficient when the plastic was combined with bran or grain husks, hinting at a possible enhancement method to increase the breakdown rate.
But what makes these mealworms so adept at digesting plastic? The answer lies in their gut microbiome. Scientists identified specific bacteria such as Kluyvera, Lactococcus, and Klebsiella within the mealworms' digestive system that help decompose plastic into simpler compounds, making it easier for the worms to digest.
The Promise of Bacteria-Powered Plastic Degradation
These gut bacteria produce enzymes that assist in breaking down plastic, and researchers believe there's potential to amplify this process. By increasing the concentration of these bacteria or their enzymes, it may be possible to accelerate plastic degradation without harming the insects. Looking ahead, scientists are aiming to pinpoint the exact bacterial strains and enzymes responsible for breaking down polystyrene. If successful, this could lead to innovative recycling methods that harness these enzymes to deal with the mounting plastic waste crisis.
From Waste to Resource: Turning Plastic into Protein
Beyond just waste reduction, this discovery opens up exciting possibilities. Researchers speculate that, with further refinement, mealworms could transform plastic waste into valuable insect protein for animal feed, creating a sustainable way to address both pollution and food security. As part of her master's research at ICIPE, study co-author Evalyne Ndotono is delving deeper into how these bacteria break down plastic. “We want to uncover whether these bacteria are naturally present in the mealworms or if they develop as a defense mechanism after consuming plastic,” Ndotono explained. The potential applications of this research are vast, and if scientists succeed, the humble lesser mealworm might just be the unexpected game-changer we need in the fight against plastic pollution.