We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A comparative study of effects of biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics on the growth and development of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens).
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the digestion, accumulation, and excretion of biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics in black soldier fly larvae, finding that both types accumulated only in the larval gut and had no adverse effects on larval growth or development. Larvae efficiently excreted microplastics before pupation, suggesting BSFL could process plastic-contaminated organic waste without significant bioaccumulation.
Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the digestion process of biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics (MPs) within black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and assess their impact on larval growth and development. The goal was to understand the fate of MPs within BSFL, considering their potential for waste conversion polluted with MPs. Methods: BSFL were exposed to two types of MPs, and their growth, development, potential accumulation and excretion of MPs were monitored. Results: The findings revealed that the MPs accumulated solely in the larval gut and had no adverse effects on the growth and development of BSFL. Larvae efficiently excreted MPs before reaching the pupation stage. Conclusion: This research emphasizes the potential of BSFL as a bioconversion agent for organic waste, even in the presence of MPs. The effective excretion of MPs by BSFL before pupation suggests their ability to mitigate potential harm caused by MP accumulation. The fact that BSFL may excrete MPs before pupation would contribute to their safe use as animal feedstock. A careful evaluation of the effects of using BSFL reared on contaminated substrates especially containing visually non-detectable residuals like nanoplastic, chemicals or toxic metals and further examination of the broader implications for waste management and sustainable livestock farming remains important.
More Papers Like This
A Comparative Study of Effects of Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable Microplastics on the Growth and Development of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens)
AI summary Read the abstract
This comparative study examined the effects of biodegradable polyamide (PA) and polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics versus conventional microplastics on the growth and development of black soldier fly larvae, assessing whether biodegradable plastics pose lower risks to insect decomposers.
Toxicity and bioconversion: Meta-analytical insights into microplastic effects on black soldier fly rearing
AI summary Read the abstract
This meta-analysis found that microplastics in organic waste can reduce black soldier fly larval growth and survival, though larvae demonstrated some capacity to biodegrade certain plastic polymers. The findings are important because black soldier fly larvae are increasingly used for sustainable waste processing, and microplastic contamination in waste streams could compromise this approach.
Treatment of biowaste commingled with biodegradable bioplastic films using Black Soldier Fly larvae: Generation and fate of micro-plastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Experiments using Black Soldier Fly larvae to process food waste mixed with starch-based biodegradable plastic films showed that the larvae generate and accumulate small biodegradable microplastic particles (under 50 µm) during digestion. As biodegradable plastics become more common in food packaging, this finding highlights a gap in understanding their fate in biological waste treatment systems and whether "biodegradable" microplastics pose their own environmental risks.
Impact of the size and shape of microplastics on their ingestion and excretion by BSF larvae during waste bioconversion
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how the size and shape of microplastics affect their ingestion and excretion rates by black soldier fly (BSF) larvae during organic waste bioconversion, examining the implications for microplastic fate in biological waste treatment systems.
Microplastics in the diet of Hermetia illucens: Implications for development and midgut bacterial and fungal microbiota
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers fed black soldier fly larvae diets containing PVC microplastics at various concentrations and found the insects could tolerate even high levels (20% of diet) without significant increases in death rates. The larvae ingested and reduced the size of the plastic particles, and while their overall gut microbial diversity remained stable, certain bacterial and fungal populations shifted. This suggests black soldier flies could potentially help process plastic waste, though the safety of using these insects as animal feed after plastic exposure needs further study.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.