Biodegradation of Polystyrene by Plastic-Eating Tenebrionidae Larvae.

Polystyrene (PS) is an extremely stable polymer with a relatively high molecular weight and a strong hydrophobic character that makes it highly resistant to biodegradation. In this study, PS was subjected to biodegradation tests by () and () larvae. Specifically, six different experimental diets were compared: (i) fed with bran; (ii) fed only PS; (iii) fed only PS treated with HO; (iv) fed with bran; (v) fed only PS; and (vi) fed only PS treated with HO.