Australia discovers superworms that can solve the plastic crisis

Scientists in Australia have found a solution that can contribute to the country's about one million tons of plastic waste each year, which is to use a type of beetle larvae called superworms to 'eat'. ' plastic waste.

Scientists from the University of Queensland, Australia today published the results of a study in the Journal of Microbial Genomics with very interesting information.

Zophobas morio superworms are eating plastic debris.

In this study, the scientists used a type of beetle larvae, scientifically known as Zophobas morio, and fed them plastic scraps. The results showed that thanks to a bacterial enzyme in their intestines, these superworms were able to digest polystyrene plastic, which is used to make the most commonly used plastics today. like cutlery or fast food containers. And it is worth noting that this superworm after eating plastic pieces, they still gain weight and develop normally.

Scientists believe that superworms native to South and Central America could be the key to solving the plastic waste crisis that is not only a burning problem in Australia but also on a global scale. .

One of the study's authors, Dr. Christian Rinke, said that in the next phase his team will focus on elucidating the workings of a particular enzyme found in the digestive tract of superworms, and the measures taken by them. method to optimize and accelerate the plastic decomposition process.

Scientists hope that with this new method, current plastic wastes can not only be treated, minimizing landfilling, but this process can also create plastic compounds capable of self-degradation. biodegradation.

According to Australian government data, each year this country emits about one million tons of plastic of all kinds, of which only 12% is recycled. Therefore, finding a method to recycle used plastic or produce environmentally friendly and fast degradable plastic products is an urgent requirement.