Plastic-eating insect discovered for first time in Africa

This is a new discovery that could have consequences for plastic recycling. Researchers have just discovered that a species of insect native to Africa is capable of breaking down polluting plastic. These are the larvae of the small Kenya mealworm, which are capable of eating and decomposing polystyrene. This is the first time a species native to Africa has been able to do so, according to The Conversation.

This discovery could therefore help fight against plastic pollution, particularly polystyrene. The latter is widely used, particularly in packaging. This is a material that is not sustainable and traditional recycling methods are costly and polluting.

Little recycled plastics in Africa

This discovery is all the more interesting given that plastic pollution is significant in Africa. Imported on a large scale, this material is rarely reused or recycled on the continent. Scientists hope to have found a solution that could be applied on a large scale.

Obviously, it seems difficult to release insects into landfills and let them work. Instead, scientists hope to be able to isolate and use the microbes and enzymes produced by the larvae to treat waste on a larger scale.

Deepening research

This is also the objective of future research: the identification and isolation of bacterial strains capable of degrading polystyrene, as well as an analysis of their enzymes. “We hope to determine whether the enzymes can be produced on a large scale for waste recycling,” explains a researcher from the International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology. The ability of insects to damage plastics other than polystyrene should also be studied.

Still, researchers want to continue to guarantee the health of insects. The impact of prolonged consumption of plastic on their bodies will also be studied.