AsianScientist (Dec. 15, 2014) – The gut bacteria of a plastic-eating worm could help to break down the plastic waste clogging up landfills, according to a study published in Environmental Science & Technology.
Plastic remains in the environment for years without breaking down, contributing significantly to litter and landfills. As authors of the present study point out, the global plastics industry churns out about 140 million tons of polyethylene every year. Much of the polyethylene produced goes into the bags, bottles and boxes that many of us use regularly—and then throw out.
For years, scientists have sought ways of degrading plastic in an environmentally-friendly manner. Some of the most recent studies have tried using bacteria to decompose plastic, but these required first exposing the plastic to light and heat.
Led by first author Associate Professor Yang Jun from Beihang University, the research team turned to the waxworm, the larva of the Indian mealmoth (Plodia interpunctella), which is known to be able to eat plastic. They found that at least two strains of the waxworm’s gut microbes could degrade polyethylene without a pre-treatment step.
According to the researchers, their finding could lead to new ways to get rid of otherwise persistent waste.
The article can be found at: Yang et al. (2014) Evidence of Polyethylene Biodegradation by Bacterial Strains from the Guts of Plastic-Eating Waxworms.
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Source: American Chemical Society.
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