Polyethylene degradation ability of superworms (Zophobas morio) and isolation of polyethylene-degrading microorganisms from superworm gut and landfill soil

Abstract

Plastic pollution, particularly polyethylene (PE), represents a major global environmental challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of superworms (Zophobas morio) to consume polyethylene and to isolate bacterial strains with potential PE-degrading capacity from landfill soil and the superworm gut. After 28 days of feeding on PE as the sole carbon source, an average PE mass reduction of 11 ± 2.25 mg/week (n = 3) was observed. Microbial isolation resulted in 11 bacterial strains, of which three strains (D2, D4, and RS1) grew on selective media containing PE as the sole carbon source. These findings provide preliminary evidence of the role of superworms and associated microorganisms in polyethylene consumption. However, further studies using physicochemical, enzymatic, and molecular approaches are required to confirm actual biodegradation mechanisms.