Kenya’s Plastic-Eating Insect: Hope or Hype?
Scientists in Kenya have discovered the Kenyan lesser mealworm larva, a species of darkling beetle, capable of consuming polystyrene. This is the first African insect identified with this ability, offering a potential biological solution to plastic pollution. A month-long experiment showed larvae consuming polystyrene, with gut bacteria playing a crucial role in the process; these bacteria may be adaptable to consuming plastics. Further research will focus on isolating and scaling up the plastic-degrading enzymes for larger-scale applications, potentially revolutionizing waste management.
John Q. Hosedrinker