Plastic Biodegradation Capabilities of Zophobas Morio and Pseudomonas Putida in Alginate Beads

In recent years, plastic pollution has plagued ecosystems around the world. Thus, it is increasingly important to research practical and sustainable alternatives to manage such plastic waste. This study assessed the consumption efficiency of extruded polystyrene (XPS), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP) plastic strips, and expanded polyethylene (EPE) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) foams over 14 days, by Zophobas morio, a common invertebrate commonly known as superworms. Furthermore, the potential of microplastic degradation using Pseudomonas putida, a bacterium commonly found in superworm guts, encapsulated in calcium alginate beads was investigated. Our results confirmed that superworms efficiently consume XPS at a rate of 1.56 mg/d/larva, EPE foam at 0.59 mg/d/larva, and EPS foam at 2.82 mg/d/larva. All superworms that advanced into the pupae stage developed into beetles successfully. Fluorescence analysis using Nile red dye and atomic force microscopy (AFM) of microplastics also revealed that P. putida encapsulated in calcium alginate beads are capable of degrading microplastics, as indicated by fluorescence analysis indicating a decrease in microplastic concentration and size and AFM analysis indicating a decrease in nanoplastic surface roughness and size. Hence, this study provided insight into the use of superworms and P. putida in the management of microplastic waste.