We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Destruction of Polystyrene by Larvae of Ulomoides dermestoides (Chevrolat, 1878) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Summary
Researchers found that larvae of the darkling beetle Ulomoides dermestoides can degrade expanded polystyrene, with mass loss rates of 44-68% depending on EPS piece size, and that degradation rate varied with larval development stage and was positively correlated with larval count.
The larvae of the darkling beetle Ulomoides dermestoides are capable of destroying expanded polystyrene (EPS) during their feeding activity. The degree of destruction varied for EPS pieces of different size classes. For EPS pieces measuring 6 × 6, 3 × 3, or 1.5 × 1.5 cm, the mass loss rate was 44.94 ± 1.11, 51.34 ± 2.54, or 68.3 ± 3.16%, respectively. A negative correlation was observed between the size class of EPS pieces and their conversion rate. The rate of plastic degradation depended on the age stage of larval development. A significant decrease in the mass of the EPS was noted only after the 4th week of the experiment, when the larvae reached the 5th age. After the destruction process is complete, the oxidized EPS particles in the excrement correspond to the size class of microplastics (<250 µm). EPS had no toxic effect on larval survival.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
ANew ColeopteraMember (Ulomoidesdermestoides) to Biodegrade Plastics
Researchers found that Ulomoides dermestoides beetle larvae can biodegrade polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene with mass reductions of 55.3%, 50.2%, and 49.4% respectively, comparable to the well-studied Tenebrio molitor larvae. Gut microbiome and transcriptome analyses revealed that both species degrade PS and PP primarily via gut microbiota, while PE degradation involves synergistic effort between larval host and microbiota, with interspecies differences in biodegradation efficiency linked to gut microbiome diversity.
Biodegradation of Polystyrene by Plastic-Eating Tenebrionidae Larvae
Researchers examined the biodegradation of polystyrene by Tenebrionidae beetle larvae, testing the ability of plastic-eating mealworm larvae to break down the highly stable, hydrophobic polymer. The study characterized polymer molecular weight changes, gut microbiome contributions, and metabolic byproducts, demonstrating that larval gut bacteria play a key role in PS depolymerization.
A New Coleoptera Member ( Ulomoides dermestoides ) to Biodegrade Plastics
The beetle Ulomoides dermestoides was identified as a new plastic-biodegrading insect, with larvae capable of consuming and partially degrading various plastic types. The discovery adds to a growing list of plastic-eating insects that could inform bioremediation strategies for plastic waste.
Biodegradation of Expanded and Extruded Polystyrene with Different Diets by Using Zophobas atratus Larvae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Zophobas atratus larvae (superworms) biodegraded both expanded and extruded polystyrene, with supplement diets of oatmeal, wheat bran, and cornmeal significantly enhancing consumption and degradation rates, and gel permeation chromatography confirming significant molecular weight reduction of the polystyrene.
The Influence of Visible Light on the Consumption Rate of Expanded Polystyrene by Zophobas morio Larvae
Experiments testing whether light color affects Zophobas morio larvae's consumption of expanded polystyrene (EPS) found that visible light wavelength influences consumption rates, with findings relevant to understanding how light conditions in waste disposal environments affect biological degradation of polystyrene foam.