Mealworms Digest Microplastics from Face Masks

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UBC researchers discover mealworms can digest microplastics from face masks, presenting potential solutions for plastic pollution management.

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Mealworms consumed 150 microplastic particles each during the 30-day study period, processing roughly half of available materials.

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Dr. Michelle Tseng suggests reconsidering widespread pesticide use, as insects could help tackle pressing environmental challenges.

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Research uniquely mimicked real-world conditions by mixing microplastics with bran versus testing in food-scarce environments.

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Resilient mealworms showed no health impacts while continuing to gain weight throughout the experimental period.

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Mealworms efficiently processed plastics, excreting four to six plastic particles per milligram of waste.

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Future research will examine these insects' digestive mechanisms for developing large-scale waste management solutions.

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The study explores face mask materials while representing a fraction of diverse plastic waste requiring solutions.

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Existing reduction and recycling methods stay crucial while research progresses toward innovative solutions.

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