Yellow mealworms, larvae of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) have been proven capable of biodegrading polystyrene (PS) products. We tested dark mealworms i.e. larvae of Tenebrio obscurus, for PS degradation. Our results demonstrated the ability for PS degradation within the gut of T. obscurus at greater rates than T. molitor. After 31-days, the molecular weight (Mn) of residual PS in frass (excrement of larvae) of T. obscurus decreased by 26.03%, remarkably higher than that of T. molitor (11.67%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated formation of functional groups of intermediates and chemical modification. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) further suggested that T. obscurus larvae degraded PS effectively based on the proportion of PS residue. Co-fed normal feed (corn starch for T. obscurus, wheat bran for T. molitor) increased total PS consumption by 11.6% and 15.2% for T. obscurus and T. molitor larvae, respectively. High-throughput sequencing revealed significant shifts in the gut microbial community in both Tenebrio species that was associated with the PS diet and PS biodegradation, with changes in three predominate families (Enterobacteriaceae, Spiroplasmataceae and Enterococcaceae). The results indicate that PS biodegradability is likely ubiquitous within the Tenebrio genus which could provide a bioresource for plastic waste biodegradation.

Ubiquitous rapid biodegradation of polystyrene by dark (Tenebrio obscurus) and yellow (Tenebrio molitor) mealworms (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

2019 Fall National Meeting

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