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.
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The UN’s fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan failed to finalize a global treaty to curb plastic pollution due to significant disagreements among nations. Key divisions centered on capping plastic production, with over 100 countries advocating for it while several oil-producing nations resisted. Consequently, crucial decisions were postponed to a future INC 5.2 meeting. The unresolved issues highlight the challenges of achieving a globally binding agreement on plastic pollution, particularly concerning production limits and financial support for developing countries. The postponement raises concerns about the treaty’s effectiveness in addressing the rapidly growing plastic crisis.
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Billions of vehicles annually release 6 million tonnes of tire particles, a significant, yet often overlooked, source of microplastic pollution, accounting for 28% of global microplastic environmental input. These particles, containing hundreds of potentially harmful chemical additives like zinc oxide and 6PPD, necessitate classification as a unique pollution category to facilitate targeted research and policy development. Currently lacking sufficient research on their dispersal and ecological impact, addressing this requires innovative tyre design, weight-based taxation on vehicles, and international collaboration mirroring successful climate and biodiversity initiatives. Failure to act will exacerbate this growing environmental threat.
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John Q. Hosedrinker