By: Harry Ye

On June 17, 2022, several scientists across the world discovered a so-called “superworm” that could reduce and even help solve the increasing plastic pollution crisis.

Scientists have found that a type of plump beetle larvae species is able to survive by feeding solely on polystyrene, more commonly known as styrofoam. They do this by producing a certain enzyme allowing them to digest this type of plastic. Scientists are figuring out how to extract this enzyme to be used for research and to the world’s benefit by hopefully helping solve the growing plastic issue.

Speaking of which, this crisis of plastic waste has been slowly growing more and more into a dangerous issue. In fact, over 14 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans each year according to the UN Environment Program. Moreover, polystyrene is one of the main contributors to this vital problem. “This is definitely a new, arguably, better, environmentally friendly way to break [it] down,” said Christian Rinke, the study’s co-author from the Washington Post.

However, these “Superworms” cannot be used in industrial factories or mass-produced in farms as they are living organisms that survive only in certain habitats. Additionally, these “superworms” only feed specifically on polystyrene and not on any other type of plastic. This is problematic because maybe other plastics may hurt these superworms, and too much of just polystyrene too can hurt their overall health.

Because these “superworms” are still living organisms, they must be treated as such. Thus, in order to maintain their maximum polystyrene intake, they must also maintain a healthy habitat. Because of which, the “superworms” are not usable for industrial purposes.

There are a few solutions that scientists have discovered though. The first of which is to distribute “superworm” packages to use to insert styrofoam in. It would work similarly to recycle bins or compost bins in a way. The second solution would be to compress plastics into polystyrene so that they can be fed upon by the “superworms”.

With the proper execution, these solutions could hopefully help to improve the plastic crisis.

Resources: https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1655653794052x404119789028842800/This%20plastic%20eating%20%E2%80%98superworm%E2%80%99%20could%20help%20solve%20the%20garbage%20crisis%20-%20The%20Washington%20Post.pdf