A Worm That Can Survive by Eating Plastic Has Been Discovered

17 May 2022

Scientists discovered that a species called 'superworm' can survive by eating plastic

Scientists at the University of Queensland in Australia discovered that a creature called Zophoas morio, also known as super worm, can survive by consuming plastic. According to the statements made, it is thought that this creature can digest plastic through an intestinal enzyme.

Scientists working on the Morio worm fed the worms with different foods for three weeks. The results showed that even a widely used creature gained weight. One of the authors of the study, Dr. Chris Rinkle stated in his statement that this development could be important for recycling: “Superworms can act as a mini recycling plant.” Experts hope to determine which enzyme is most effective on plastic; Thus, it is stated that it can be reproduced at a suitable scale for disposal and can be used against plastics. Additionally, understanding at the molecular level how the gut bacteria of superworms do this could be used to produce bioplastics.

The aforementioned research was published in Microbial Genomics.

Source: BBC

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