Can insects play a role in reducing microplastic pollution

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 10, 2024
Plastic pollution, a persistent problem spanning ecosystems across the globe, continues to challenge efforts to find sustainable solutions. Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) are exploring whether insects could be an ally in the fight against microplastic pollution.

Previous studies have demonstrated that insects can consume and process pure microplastics under highly artificial, food-limited conditions. However, a new study published in Biology Letters takes a more realistic approach. UBC zoologist Dr. Michelle Tseng and researcher Shim Gicole investigated how mealworms - a species of beetle larva - react when fed microplastics in combination with a more appetizing food source.

Testing mealworms with face masks

Known for their adaptability, mealworms are natural scavengers capable of enduring months without sustenance and even resorting to cannibalism when food is scarce. To test their plastic-degrading potential, researchers fed the insects ground-up medical face masks - a ubiquitous plastic waste product - combined with bran to mimic a more natural diet.

Over 30 days, the mealworms consumed about half the microplastic particles provided, averaging 150 particles per insect, while showing healthy weight gain. Notably, the insects excreted only a small fraction of the microplastics - about four to six particles per milligram of waste - indicating that they absorbed the majority of what they consumed. Importantly, no adverse effects on survival or growth were observed.

Learning from mealworms

Dr. Tseng emphasized the potential of insects in tackling plastic pollution: "Perhaps we can start viewing bugs as friends. We're killing millions of insects every day from general pesticides - the very same insects we could be learning from to break down these plastics and other chemicals."

The next phase of research will focus on understanding the digestive mechanisms that allow these insects to process microplastics. By scaling up these biological processes, scientists hope to develop innovative strategies to address global plastic pollution challenges.

Research Report:Partial consumption of medical face masks by a common beetle species