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Biodegradation of polyethylene (PE) microplastics by mealworm larvae: Physiological responses, oxidative stress, and residual plastic particles
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Biodegradation of various grades of polyethylene microplastics by Tenebrio molitor and Tenebrio obscurus larvae: Effects on their physiology
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Mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor and Tenebrio obscurus) were fed different grades of polyethylene plastic to test their ability to biodegrade this common plastic. Both species could consume and partially break down all three types of polyethylene, though the process caused oxidative stress and shifted their gut bacteria. This research suggests biological degradation of plastic waste is possible, which could help reduce the environmental breakdown of plastics into harmful microplastics.
Effects of Micro-Nanoplastics Exposure to Earthworms in the Soil System
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Researchers investigated how micro- and nanoplastic exposure affects earthworms in soil systems, examining toxicity mechanisms and interactions with co-occurring heavy metals and other contaminants. The findings indicate that MNP contamination can impair soil productivity and earthworm health, threatening the foundation of terrestrial food webs.
Biodegradation of polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polylactic acid microplastics in Tenebrio molitor larvae: Physiological responses
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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.
A Mini Review on Biologically Innovative Solution for Biodegradation of Plastics/Microplastics by the Use of Superworms
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This review synthesizes evidence on superworm larvae (Zophobas atratus) as a biological tool for degrading plastics and microplastics, describing how gut microbes including Pseudomonas and Enterococcus depolymerize plastic into carbon dioxide and larval biomass. Superworm-based biodegradation offers a scalable pathway to reduce plastic pollution at its source, though research remains largely limited to polystyrene with little work on other common polymers like PET.
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Researchers exposed common earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) to soil containing microplastics at concentrations up to 7% by weight and found that while earthworms did not avoid contaminated soil, microplastics caused physical lesions on mucus membranes, elevated acetylcholinesterase levels indicating neurotoxic stress, and particle accumulation throughout the gastrointestinal tract.
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