An assessment on the potential of tenebrio molitor used for biodepolymerization of plastics and polystyrene: influencing factors, various feeding cases and gut microbiota

Abstract The present study aims to analyze the potential of mealworms ( Tenebrio Monitor ) used for biodepolymerization waste papers, plastics and polystyrenes. various influencing factors were analyzed such as: temperature, light intensity, moisture content energy sources. was conducted with two types feeding cases that first was, polystyrene fed oats (Avena sativa) above wastes added directly without any additional A similar weight 100gms all three has been mentioned mealworms. in a larval stage period nearly 30 days 100 each every combination cases. Mealworms have biodepolymerized 40% plastic within 10-12 days. Based on obtained results, it found gut microbiota enzymes are responsible biodegradation plastic, paper respectively. reveals survive even after intake polymer substances, this leads new pathway sustainable management waste.