For example,
Verses capable digesting plastic:
Quebec researchers have launched a study aimed at demonstrating to what extent the larvae of the millers. For example, commonly known as flour, can degrade microplastics in the environment.
It has already been demonstrated in other studies that these insects are capable of feeding with microplastics. Similarly,
This process, called bioremediation, is a method that uses living beings to decontaminate pollutants.
A phenomenon still misunderstood – Verses capable digesting plastic
Researchers from the University of Quebec in Rimouski (UQAR). In addition, the Institute of Sea Sciences and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Montreal (UdeM) therefore want to study if the ingested microplastics are completely deteriorating when they are eaten by the Dongue.
Yes, the worm is able to degrade, but to what extent and what do we get?
the professor wonders at verses capable digesting plastic theUqar In the biology. Therefore, chemistry and geography department, Youssouf Djibril Soubaneh, which is part of the project.
Professor Youssouf Djibril Soubaneh has been teaching UQAR since 2013. (Archives photo)
Photo: Stéphanie Lizotte
To better understand how plastic is digested by insects. the researchers will use a radimarque technique.
We mark microplastics by carbon 14. and we verses capable digesting plastic are able to follow them in the body [et de voir] how it was degraded
he explains
An impact in the food chain?
Then, the researchers wish to assess the risks of transfer of the microplastic in the food chain. In other words. if the Ténébrion is eaten by another species, can we find traces of microplastics in it?
The researchers will therefore give tenebrons like food to breeding shrimps. because From the moment we put a radio-isotope, so a tracer, we are able to follow [les traces de microplastiques dans] shrimps
supports Professor Lebaneh.
They will be able to assess whether the consumption of its insects. which have previously eaten plastic, has an impact on the health of the shrimp.
Improve recycling
Ultimately, the use of darkness could make it possible to better recycle verses capable digesting plastic plastic. The goal would not be to release worms in the ocean so that they eat the microplastics there. but rather to use them in the recycling chain.
Nowadays, the problem is that we only recycle 9 % of plastic. We do not have enough infrastructure to be able to recycle enough plastic. but also quite effective techniques, because they are often expensive
said the researcher.
If the study manages to prove that the microplastic does not transfer to another species when it eats the worm. the Tennebrion could not only allow the plastic to be better recycled and then serve as food.
It is quality food in terms of protein, but also […] which is not expensive and could even feed humans
he adds.
It is also possible to buy tenebrons powder as an alternative of food protein.
With the information verses capable digesting plastic from Édouard Beaudoin
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