Scientists in Australia have discovered a superworm, Zophobas morio, a special kind of insect larvae that can survive off eating polystyrene (plastic).
It is believed that the larvae of beetle could digest polystyrene through an enzyme in the gut. One of the researchers has noted that the discovery could be very major for recycling improvements. He further added that the super worms were similar to tiny recycling plants in their behavior of tearing into the plastic with their mouth after which the bacteria in their gut digests it.
The University of Queensland Research Team had three batches of superworms fed a different diet for three weeks. It was discovered that the group that fed on polystyrene noticeably gained weight. Several enzymes found in the superworm’s gut could degrade both polystyrene and styrene, which were used in the making of plastic takeaway containers and certain car parts.
However, the research would probably not lead to giant superworm farms that would doubly serve as recycling plants. But, it is hoped to identify the most effective digestive enzyme so it could be produced at scale for recycling.
Nonetheless, there is a question on if the recycling techniques would ever be commercially viable.
