Are These POLYSTYRENE EATING WORMS The Key To Tackling Plastic Pollution?!
Researchers from University of Queensland’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences fed superworms polystyrene for three weeks. And not only did they enjoy it, they managed to convert the plastic into energy! All thanks to a bacterial enzyme in their gut!
The next step? Scientists are hoping to engineer these same enzymes to help limit plastic waste in recycling plants through ‘mechanical shredding’ and ‘enzymatic biodegradation’.
So there you have it, who knew these Superworms held the secret to tackling plastic pollution all along!