Biodegradation of expanded polystyrene through the application of beetle larvae

Authors

  • Jhoana Yucra-Cuba Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa
  • Antonieta Rosas-Cuadros Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa
  • Yosheff Ortiz-Valdivia Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa
  • Danny Tupayachy-Quispe Universidad Católica de Santa María (PE), Perú
  • Jonathan Almirón Universidad Católica de Santa María (PE), Perú
  • Belinda Chavez Universidad Católica de Santa María (PE), Perú
  • María Vargas Universidad Continental

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18687/LACCEI2026.1.1.2055

Keywords:

Biodegradation, expanded polystyrene, Tenebrio molitor, Galleria mellonella, Zophobas morio

Abstract

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.

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Published

2026-07-27

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 14 (2026): LACCEI 2026

Section

Articles

Copyright

Copyright (c) 2026 LACCEI

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How to Cite

Yucra-Cuba, J., Rosas-Cuadros, A., Ortiz-Valdivia, Y., Tupayachy-Quispe, D., Almirón, J., Chavez, B., & Vargas, M. (2026). Biodegradation of expanded polystyrene through the application of beetle larvae. LACCEI, 1(14). https://doi.org/10.18687/LACCEI2026.1.1.2055

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