Biodegradation of expanded polystyrene through the application of beetle larvae

Yucra-Cuba J.; Rosas-Cuadros A.; Ortiz-Valdivia Y.; Tupayachy-Quispe D.; Almirón J.; Chavez B.; Vargas M. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2026.1.1.2055

Resumen

This study evaluated the biodegradability of expanded polystyrene (EPS) using Tenebrio molitor, Galleria mellonella, and Zophobas morio larvae, identifying Zophobas morio as the most efficient species, with significantly higher consumption (p<0.05) and 65.64% degradation of EPS, without leaving residual microplastics in the excreta, according to FTIR analysis. The optimal diet for all species consisted of 25% EPS supplemented with wheat bran, suggesting that a nutritional substrate improves intestinal microbial activity and enzymatic degradation. The results support the use of Zophobas morio as a sustainable and effective bioremediation strategy for plastic waste management.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa; Universidad Continental; Universidad Católica de Santa María