In a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the fight against plastic pollution, scientists at the Nairobi-based International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) have found that the larvae of the lesser mealworm\u2014a species of darkling beetle known scientifically as Alphitobius\u2014are capable of consuming plastic waste.
Lead researcher and senior scientist at ICIPE, Dr. Fathiya Khamis, announced on Monday that the team has not only observed these larvae consuming plastics but also identified a consortium of beneficial bacteria in their gut that aids in the digestion of plastic materials.
“Although often mistaken for ordinary worms, mealworms are actually the larvae of darkling beetles,” Dr. Khamis explained. “Worldwide, yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) have been used to biodegrade plastic, but this is the first time we’ve recorded the plastic-degrading ability of the African native lesser mealworms.”
Africa contributes only 5 percent of global plastic generation and uses 4 percent, but with the increasing use of single-use plastics, the continent is becoming one of the most polluted regions in the world. Dr. Khamis emphasized that the team’s research focused on the lesser mealworm’s ability to consume polystyrene\u2014one of the major microplastics accumulating on land and in water bodies.
ICIPE Director-General, Dr. Abdou Tenkouano, lauded the discovery, stating that it enhances a growing body of innovations aimed at promoting a circular economy. “We can exploit this knowledge to tackle plastic waste pollution while also harnessing the benefits of mealworms, which are among the highly nutritious edible insects,” Dr. Tenkouano said.
The research also contributes to the field of bioremediation\u2014the use of microbes to clean up contaminated ecosystems, soil, and groundwater. Co-researcher Evalyne Ndotono noted that additional studies are underway to understand how the mealworms process polystyrene and whether they gain nutritional benefits from it. “Polystyrene waste comes from common commercial applications such as Styrofoam, which is used in food storage containers, packaging materials, disposable plates and cups, and insulation in construction,” she explained.
This pioneering research opens up new possibilities for managing plastic waste and underscores the potential of biological solutions in addressing environmental challenges.
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Scientists find lesser mealworm's potential to combat plastic waste
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