Scientists discover species of plastic-eating caterpillars

NAIROBI — ParaD at the International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) based in Nairobi Monday they announced a promising discovery to solve the plastic waste problem through tiny earthworms.

Scientists at ICIPE discovered that the larvae of a species of dark beetle known by the scientific name “Alphitobius” are able to eat plastic that contributes to global pollution, Xinhua said.

ICIPE senior scientist and lead researcher of the study, Fathiya Khamis, said the researchers had also identified a consortium of important bacteria in the guts of mealworms that help digest plastic.

“Although they are often seen as ordinary worms, mealworms are actually dark colored beetle larvae. “All over the world, the larvae of a species of dark beetle called “Tenebrio molitor” are used to decompose plastic,” Khamis said in a statement released in Nairobi.

He said that although Africa produces only five percent and uses four percent of the world’s plastic, there is an increase in the use of single-use plastic, making the continent the second most polluted. .

Khamis said scientists tested the ability of tiny worms to eat polystyrene.

“This knowledge can be used to deal with plastic waste pollution while increasing the benefits of earthworms, which are part of a population of highly nutritious and edible insects,” said Abdou Tenkouano, director general ICIPE.

He said the ICIPE study also expanded knowledge about bioremediation, which is the use of microorganisms to clean up polluted ecosystems, including soil and groundwater.

Researcher Evalyne Ndotono said the research team is carrying out additional research to understand the process by which earthworms eat polystyrene and to find out if they are getting nutritional benefits from the material.

He explained that polystyrene waste comes from commercial applications in its most common form, styrofoam, which is used in food storage containers, appliance packaging, disposable plates and cups, as well as insulation in construction.

(wbs)