Superworms can Help Reduce Plastic Pollution by Being Capable of Eating Through Plastic Waste

Abstract

There is a major crisis facing the world today, which is the massive disposal of plastic waste. To make matters worse, landfills take approximately hundred years to decompose waste. Zophobas morio-better known as the Superwormcan survive by eating only plastic, according to Australian scientists. Mealworms and superworms eat plastic waste, according to many studies. As a result, the bacteria in its gut are able to decompose plastic waste into smaller molecular components. Is it possible for these superworms to save us from the plastic pollution that is building up in our oceans? Scientists recently discovered a creature that can be the hero we need but not the one we deserve. The superworm is commonly known as Zophobas morio. Scientists might be able to make enzymes that decompose plastic waste in recycling plants by using mechanical shredding followed by biodegradation by enzymes. Polystyrene is shredded with mouth, fed to bacteria, like a mini recycling plant. Because of this reaction, other microbes can make compounds of high value, like bioplastics. In the future, scientists want to grow these gut bacteria in the lab and test how well they can break down various kinds of plastic waste. If these initiatives prove successful, plastic recycling on a massive scale could finally become a viable option for reducing plastic pollution. According to a new study, the rapid degradation of PS in the larval gut reveals a new pathway for plastic waste to be disposed of in the environment. This article will provide more information about the Superworms and how they can help reduce plastic waste in our environment by recycling plastic waste.