Serbian Scientists Use Mealworms to Degrade Polystyrene Waste

Mealworms as a Solution for Plastic Waste

• 💡 Serbian scientists are experimenting with mealworms to break down polystyrene, a common plastic used in packaging and insulation.
• 🔬 The bacteria in the mealworms' guts are capable of degrading plastic into carbon dioxide and water, with no evidence of microplastic residue.
• ♻️ These mealworms can even digest styrofoam, which naturally takes over 500 years to decompose.

Serbia's Waste Management Challenges

• ⚠️ Serbia currently recycles only 15% of its municipal waste, significantly below the EU's target of 55%.
• 🗑️ Over 84% of waste ends up in landfills, often unregulated and containing a mix of plastic, paper, and organic materials.
• 📈 The focus is on single-use plastics due to their significant contribution to pollution, especially since 2019.

Project Endorsements and Future Vision

• ✅ The research is supported by the Serbian government, the United Nations Agency for International Development, and other international donors.
• 🌍 This project builds upon similar research conducted in the US and Africa.
• 🚀 Scientists envision a future where mealworms can function as a recycling system on farms, consuming plastic waste before becoming a source of animal feed.