We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Retention and excretion of microplastics by Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae reared on an amino formaldehyde polymer microbeads contaminated substrate
Summary
This study examined whether yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) retain or excrete microplastics when raised on contaminated substrates, which is important since mealworms are increasingly used as a food and feed source. Results showed larvae ingested and partially excreted microplastics, raising questions about microplastic accumulation in the food chain through insect-based protein products.
Abstract Yellow mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor L., TM), one of the main cultured insect species, is used for feed and food. Larval stages of this species can be reared on several substrates, including grains and industrial by-products. However, this species may potentially accumulate contaminants from the substrate, including microplastics (MPs), which may represent a potential hazard for its utilization in food chain. Evidences for plastic degradation by mealworms have been reported, while there are few information about the retention of microplastics in the body and tissues of this species. The aim of the present study was to assess whether TM larvae reared on a MPs-contaminated substrate were able to retain MPs in body tissues and to evaluate the retention and excretion rate after fasting for 24 and 48 hours. For this purpose, fluorescent amino formaldehyde polymer microbeads (1-5 μm) were used to simulate a MPs contamination in the substrate used for larvae rearing. A relevant concentration of MPs were found in the gut and were associated with ingested feed. However, microscopic analyses indicated that the gut acts as a simple transit site and a barrier towards MPs migration in tissues. A marked reduction of MPS content was highlighted in larvae after fasting, even though a 48-hours fasting period was not sufficient to completely depurate insect gut from MPs. Results obtained in the present study suggest that the polymer microbeads used are recalcitrant to digestion by TM larvae, and show the relevant ability of depuration from MPs of this species. Taken together the results showed the suitability of TM to be reared on MPs contaminated substrates since larvae survival and growth resulted not hampered by the MPs presence and open cues on the fasting period able to completely depurate insect body from MPs residues.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Feeding and metabolism effects of three common microplastics on Tenebrio molitor L.
Mealworm larvae from three Chinese regions were fed microplastics (polystyrene, PVC, and LDPE) and were found to actually break down some of the plastic in their gut. The ability of mealworms to partially degrade certain plastics makes them a potential tool for biological plastic waste management.
Biodegradation of polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polylactic acid microplastics in Tenebrio molitor larvae: Physiological responses
Mealworms were fed three types of microplastics (PVC, polystyrene, and PLA) and successfully biodegraded all three, but with significant physiological costs including weight loss, reduced survival, and increased oxidative stress. PVC was the hardest to degrade and caused the most harm, while biodegradable PLA was the easiest and least damaging. The study shows that biological approaches to breaking down microplastics are possible but that certain plastic types generate toxic byproducts during the process.
Unveiling Fragmentation of Plastic Particles during Biodegradation of Polystyrene and Polyethylene Foams in Mealworms: Highly Sensitive Detection and Digestive Modeling Prediction
Researchers discovered that mealworms biodegrading polystyrene and polyethylene foams generate micro- and nanoplastic fragments during the digestion process, despite removing over 70% of the ingested plastic. The study developed a digestive biofragmentation model to predict plastic fragmentation patterns, suggesting that insect-based plastic biodegradation may create secondary contamination that warrants further assessment.
Generation and Fate of Nanoplastics in the Intestine of Plastic-Degrading Insect (Tenebrio molitor Larvae) during Polystyrene Microplastic Biodegradation
Researchers tracked what happens to nanoplastics inside mealworm larvae as they digest polystyrene microplastics. They found that nanoplastics were generated during digestion and initially accumulated in gut tissues and glands, but concentrations declined over four weeks and eventually fell below detection limits, suggesting the larvae and their gut microbes can work together to break down even these tiny plastic particles.
Microplastic Contamination in Commercial Insect Meal: A Valid Analytical Method to Detect It
Researchers developed and validated an analytical method for detecting microplastic contamination in commercial insect meal, finding microplastics present and underscoring the need for standardized testing as insect-based foods enter the human food chain.