Effect of biodegrading polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride on the growth and development of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae.

Abstract

Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) larvae can depolymerize and degrade polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In this study, mealworms were utilized to biodegrade PE, PS, and PVC. Additionally, the effects of plastic degradation on the growth and development of yellow mealworm larvae were investigated by investigating the physiological indices and nutritional components of the larvae after plastic degradation. The results showed that degradation of plastics (PS, PE, and PVC) was promoted at a feeding amount of 0.50g. However, the degradation of PVC at this concentration increased the mortality of yellow mealworms. In contrast, the degradation of a small amount of PS (0.10g) promoted the nutritional value of crude protein (45.7 ± 2.08%) and phosphorus (1.23 ± 0.04%), had a lower larval mortality rate (7.90 ± 1.10%), and thus did not have a significant effect on the growth and development of yellow mealworms.