Caterpillars Capable of Consuming Plastic Discovered
A chance discovery by Spanish scientist and amateur beekeeper Federica Bertocchini revealed a peculiar trait of wax worm caterpillars – they can consume and break down polyethylene, one of the most commonly used and stubbornly non-biodegradable plastics.
In 2017, Federica Bertocchini, a research scientist at Spain’s Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology of Cantabria, made a remarkable discovery while cleaning out her beehives. She noticed that the wax worm caterpillars she was removing often ate their way through the plastic bags she placed them in. Intrigued by this unexpected behavior, Bertocchini collaborated with researchers from Cambridge University to investigate further.
Research and Findings
Their study, titled “Polyethylene bio-degradation by caterpillars of the wax moth Galleria mellonella,” was published in Current Biology. The research opened new avenues for addressing the global problem of plastic pollution. The team found that the digestive system of these wax worms could break down chemical bonds in polyethylene, a widely used and typically non-degradable type of plastic.
Significance of Polyethylene Degradation
Polyethylene is known for its high photolytic, thermal, and chemical degradation resistance. Traditionally, it takes hundreds to thousands of years to decompose naturally if discarded into landfills or released into the environment. This resistance makes polyethylene particularly harmful to ecosystems. However, the enzymes within the wax worms provide an environmentally friendly key to biodegrade this plastic waste.
Future Applications and Challenges
Despite the promising findings, one cannot simply dump old shopping bags into a box of wax worms. Ongoing research aims to understand how to utilize these findings on a larger scale. Scientists are exploring ways to harness these bacteria as biological tools against waste pollution, which could revolutionize current waste disposal strategies.
Broader Implications
This discovery also highlights the potential for nature to offer solutions to human-created problems. It underscores the importance of finding these solutions in unexpected places. The fact that an amateur beekeeper might have stumbled upon an answer to one of our planet’s most pressing environmental concerns speaks volumes about the potential for ordinary people to make extraordinary contributions to scientific knowledge and progress.
Conclusion
Federica Bertocchini’s serendipitous discovery has paved the way for innovative approaches to tackling plastic pollution. As research continues, there is hope that these natural mechanisms can be harnessed on a larger scale, offering sustainable solutions for future generations.