Plastic pollution is a global issue that persists for years in all ecosystems. Could insects offer a solution to this problem?
A recent study conducted by UBC zoologist Dr. Michelle Tseng and alumna Shim Gicole explored the potential of mealworms in consuming microplastics in a more realistic setting. The researchers fed the mealworms ground-up face masks, a common plastic product, mixed with bran to mimic their natural diet.
Mealworms are known for their scavenging abilities and can survive long periods without food or water, resorting to cannibalism when necessary.
Results showed that after 30 days, the mealworms consumed about half of the available microplastics, approximately 150 particles per insect, without any adverse effects on their survival or growth. They excreted only a small fraction of the consumed microplastics while absorbing the rest.
Dr. Tseng believes that studying how these insects digest microplastics could provide valuable insights into developing solutions for plastic pollution on a larger scale. She suggests that instead of viewing bugs as pests, we should consider them as allies in combating environmental challenges.
2024-12-04 03:15:02
Link from phys.org