We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Perilaku pemilihan pakan plastik dan respons biologi imago kumbang Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Summary
Researchers investigated the feeding behavior and biological responses of adult mealworm beetles (Tenebrio molitor) when offered plastic substrates, evaluating the potential of this insect species as a biodegrader of plastic waste. The study found that beetles exhibited selective feeding preferences among different plastic types and that plastic consumption affected key biological parameters including survival and reproduction.
The beetle Tenebrio molitor L. has potential as a plastic decomposer. Plastic can also be degraded by exposure to sunlight. The aim of this research was to determine the feeding behavior and biological responses of T. molitor exposed to various type of plastics. Seven types of plastics, namely bioplastics (Bio), expanded styrofoam (EPS), oxo-biodegradable (Oxo), three plastics Bio-P, EPS-P, Oxo-P that had been exposed to sunlight, and controls contained a mixed pollard-carrots slices were tested on four days-old of adult T. molitor. The choice feeding method was carried out at day and night by releasing 200 and 300 beetles in the middle of a ±15 cm diameter petri dish divided into 7 radial spaces, and their movement were observed within 24 hours. The forced feeding method for observing biological responses was carried out by releasing 10 male and female beetles in a petri dish as described above. The results showed that around 32–39% of the beetle population visited most of the pollard feed. In the feed treatment without pollard, 20% of the beetles chose EPS, EPS-P and Bio. Beetles survived 23 and 40 days on Bio and Bio-P feed, respectively. Egg production by the beetles exposed to the Bio and Bio-P diets was 2 and 3 eggs/female/10 days. Around 85% of pollard feed consumed contributed to 5% of body weight gain. About 58–64% of Bio, Bio-P, EPS, EPS-P and 6–12% Oxo, Oxo-P feeds were successfully consumed. The decrease in its body weight occurred in all plastic feed treatments ranging from 13–28%.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Biodegradation of various grades of polyethylene microplastics by Tenebrio molitor and Tenebrio obscurus larvae: Effects on their physiology
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.
Possibilities for discriminating between Tenebrio molitor larvae fed with plastic and conventional substrates
Researchers investigated whether measurement methods could distinguish between Tenebrio molitor mealworm larvae fed plastic substrates versus conventional diets, testing larvae on flour-carrot, polystyrene foam, and mixed diets. The study sought to identify industrially viable detection approaches to verify plastic biodegradation by larvae and their gut microbiota, supporting their potential use in plastic waste management.
Impacts of compostable and non-compostable plastic ingestion on Tenebrio molitor L. (Insecta: Tenebrionidae): a life history approach
Mealworm beetles (Tenebrio molitor) fed polyethylene, polystyrene, or compostable plastic during larval development showed reduced fitness compared to controls, with oil-derived plastics causing similar harm to compostable materials, suggesting compostable plastics are not inherently safer.
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.
Sourcing chitin from exoskeleton of Tenebrio molitor fed with polystyrene or plastic kitchen wrap
Researchers sourced chitin from the exoskeletons of mealworm larvae fed diets containing polystyrene or plastic kitchen wrap mixed with bran. The study found that while plastic-fed larvae produced heavier exoskeletons, no plastic residues were detected in the chitin, suggesting that mealworms can effectively degrade plastic waste while still yielding usable chitin.