The researchers used a technique called metagenomics to find several encoded enzymes with the ability to degrade polystyrene and styrene. “This suggests the worms can derive energy from the polystyrene, most likely with the help of their gut microbes.” “We found the superworms fed a diet of just polystyrene not only survived, but even had marginal weight gains,” Dr Rinke said. Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered the common Zophobas morio ‘superworm’ can eat through polystyrene, thanks to a bacterial enzyme in their gut.ĭr Chris Rinke and his team from UQ’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences fed superworms different diets over a three week period, with some given polystyrene foam, some bran and others put on a fasting diet. A species of worm with an appetite for polystyrene could be the key to plastic recycling on a mass scale.
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