Philippine E-Journals

Gut Bacteria of Achroia grisella (Lesser Wax Moth) Larvae as Biological Agent for Polyethylene Degradation

Hester Gwen Nodora | Janyll Nicole Rodriguez | Ezekiel Rosimo | Arianne Rufino | Renzo Lou Sadang | Simona Sakshi | Errolyn Nerisse Santos | Sheila Marie Santos | Muskan Sehgal | Juan Miguel Señado | Prashant Singh | Anne Patricia Sio | Avegail Tabarangao | Meet Virani | Janice D. De Leon

 

Abstract:

Objective: This study aimed to determine if the gut bacteria of the A. grisella larvae is able to degrade high-density polyethylene, a type of plastic present in the silo-bags that these larvae are known to consume. Methods: This experimental study is a non-randomized controlled trial that evaluated the ability of the gut bacteria of A. grisella larvae to degrade high-density polyethylene. The study was conducted in the Graduate Pharmacy Laboratory of the Manila Central University - College of Arts and Sciences and the Medical Technology Laboratory of the Manila Central University – College of Medical Technology. Special send-out procedures were done in the University of the Philippines Los Baños Museum of Natural History. Forty pieces of 3 cm x 3 cm high-density polyethylene films were subjected to interventions in this study. Results: No significant differences were noted in the percent change in weight on days 7, 14, 21 and 25 (p>0.05). Although not statistically significant, a trend towards a higher percent change in weight was noted in the high-density polyethylene without bacteria compared to that of high-density polyethylene with bacteria. Conclusions: A higher increase in weight was consistently observed in the high-density polyethylene without bacteria compared to the high-density polyethylene with bacteria, indicating the possibility that biodegradation had indeed taken place, although not enough to incite an overall decrease in weight in the high-density polyethylene with bacteria.