A recent study by UBC zoologist Dr. Michelle Tseng and alumna Shim Gicole explored the ability of mealworms (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to consume microplastics from polypropylene and polylactic acid face masks, which are commonly used plastics. Known for their resilience, mealworms can survive for up to eight months without food or water and even eat other mealworms when food is scarce. The study quantifies their capacity to consume microplastics, highlighting their potential role in addressing plastic waste.
Breaking down microplastics with Mealworms: A new hope
Can mealworms be the solution to our microplastic problem?
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