Analysis and Characterization of Styrofoam Consumption by Larval Black Soldier Flies, Hermetia illucens

Overview

Worldwide, thirty percent of landfill waste is composed of foam polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam. Despite the unsustainable demand for plastic all over the globe, there is currently no clear plan in sight to safely eliminate the single-use products that are overwhelming landfills. While intact, polystyrene foam products pose a threat to humans and animals as well as the atmosphere through the release of toxic pollutants into the air. In an attempt to combat the overarching waste problem, a variety of larval species including black soldier fly larvae have gained attention for their natural waste recycling abilities in regards to organic waste products like food waste and sewage contents, but recent experiments performed by the Shawnee Mission School District biotechnology program revealed black soldier fly larvae as a candidate for degradation of organic and inorganic material alike. The goal of this project thus far is to further analyze the ability of black soldier fly larvae to consume polystyrene and uncover how exactly the larvae survive on inorganic material. Currently, the hypothesis of these experiments suggest that the larval gut microbiome correlates directly with the digestive process. If so, a better understanding of these microbes in relation to polystyrene breakdown could mean a step in the right direction for the future of plastic pollution.

Competition history

• JSHS 2022 Category not listed

Resources

• National JSHS abstract book ↗

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