Archived Abstracts
Biodegradation of Plastic Waste in Mealworms
Location
Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Entry Number
13
Start Date
4-8-2020 12:00 PM
End Date
4-8-2020 1:15 PM
Department
Biology
Abstract
Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor, the larval form of a darkling beetle) are able to digest plastic as well as its toxic additives due to microorganisms surviving within their gut. Previous studies have demonstrated the capability of mealworms to digest polystyrene in the form of Styrofoam. This leads me to hypothesize that the microorganisms found within the gut of mealworms will be able to digest other forms of plastic as well. In this study, I am conducting a series of trials to test the ability of mealworms to consume and survive off of plastic in the forms of polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and polyethylene. During this experiment, survival rate and metamorphosis rate are being compared to that of a control group consisting of oats, a common food source for mealworms. Each type of plastic is also being compared to test its ability of being consumed. Throughout this study, mealworms have consumed larger amounts of polystyrene and polypropylene as compared to polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene. Upon completion of this research, the results of this study will be aimed to aid in the future of plastic recycling.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Jennifer Styrsky
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Biodegradation of Plastic Waste in Mealworms
Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center
Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor, the larval form of a darkling beetle) are able to digest plastic as well as its toxic additives due to microorganisms surviving within their gut. Previous studies have demonstrated the capability of mealworms to digest polystyrene in the form of Styrofoam. This leads me to hypothesize that the microorganisms found within the gut of mealworms will be able to digest other forms of plastic as well. In this study, I am conducting a series of trials to test the ability of mealworms to consume and survive off of plastic in the forms of polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and polyethylene. During this experiment, survival rate and metamorphosis rate are being compared to that of a control group consisting of oats, a common food source for mealworms. Each type of plastic is also being compared to test its ability of being consumed. Throughout this study, mealworms have consumed larger amounts of polystyrene and polypropylene as compared to polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene. Upon completion of this research, the results of this study will be aimed to aid in the future of plastic recycling.