Biodegradación capacity of greater wax mont (Galleria mellonella) Larvae on lowdensity polyethylene and biodegradable plastics

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the biodegradation capacity of greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) larvae on low-density polyethylene (LDPE), pigmented (green) LDPE, and biodegradable plastic. Methodology: A total of 84 larvae were distributed equally into three groups of 28 individuals assigned to the following treatments: T1 (1.4 g of natural LDPE), T2 (1.4 g of green LDPE), and T3 (1.3 g of biodegradable plastic). The experiment was conducted over 30 days under controlled conditions, and biodegradation was determined by calculating the daily mass loss rate. Results: Polymer degradation showed significant differences among treatments. Biodegradable plastic exhibited the highest susceptibility, with a 38.5% mass reduction (from 1.3 g to 0.8 g), followed by natural LDPE at 28.6% (from 1.4 g to 1.0 g), and green LDPE at 21.4% (from 1.4 g to 1.1 g). Furthermore, a slowdown in consumption was observed toward day 30, coinciding with the prepupal stage of the insect. Conclusions: Galleria mellonella possesses high potential for the biofragmentation and degradation of both conventional and alternative polymers, showing a marked preference and efficiency toward biodegradable plastic.