Researchers have discovered a species of worm with an appetite for polystyrene that could be the key to plastic recycling on a mass scale.

Dr Chris Rinke from the University of Queensland told Gareth Parker on 6PR Breakfast his team from UQ’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences fed superworms different diets over a three-week period, with some given polystyrene foam, some bran and others put on a fasting diet.

"The superworms shred the polystyrene and then the microbes actually break it down further and that kind of nourishes the worm at the end... but it's not a very healthy diet I have to say," Dr Rinke said.

Researchers have discovered a species of worm with an appetite for polystyrene that could be the key to plastic recycling on a mass scale.
Dr Chris Rinke from the University of Queensland told Gareth Parker on 6PR Breakfast his team from UQ&rsquo;s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences fed superworms different diets over a three-week period, with some given polystyrene foam, some bran and others put on a fasting diet.
"The superworms shred the polystyrene and then the microbes actually break it down further and that kind of nourishes the worm at the end... but it's not a very healthy diet I have to say," Dr Rinke said.

If it's happening in Perth, you'll hear about it first on 6PR Breakfast with Millsy and Karl!

If it's happening in Perth, you'll hear about it first on 6PR Breakfast with Millsy and Karl!

Advertisement