By Wanja Mwaniki
In a breakthrough with the potential to transform waste management, researchers at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in Nairobi have discovered a natural solution to the plastic pollution crisis. Their latest study reveals that bacteria in the gut of mealworms can digest plastic, breaking it down into simpler, less harmful substances. This process offers a sustainable approach to tackling plastic waste and paves the way for eco-friendly solutions leveraging nature’s own mechanisms.
Dr. Fathiya Khamis, Senior Scientist at ICIPE, and the lead researcher, expressed excitement about the findings, especially regarding the lesser mealworm, a species native to Africa. “This groundbreaking research has shown that lesser mealworms possess the ability to biodegrade plastic for the first time,” Dr. Khamis stated. Her team is now examining the potential of mealworms to digest various types of plastic, converting waste into non-toxic by-products.
Evalyne Ndotono, another scientist on the project, emphasized the broader implications, noting that this discovery could revolutionize plastic waste management. “We are exploring the lesser mealworm’s capacity to convert different plastics into safe and useful products,” she said.
As plastic pollution threatens ecosystems and human health, the promise of mealworms as “natural plastic warriors” signals a hopeful path forward. By harnessing these insects’ unique abilities, ICIPE’s research could inspire sustainable waste reduction methods worldwide, reducing environmental plastic and promoting a more circular economy.
