ArticlePolymers2024
Biodegradation Mechanism of Polystyrene by Mealworms (
Article in Polymers, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Alternative High-Quality Hemolymph Extraction from AdultInsects · 2026Article
- Host metabolic integration enables superior polystyrene degradation in cockroaches.Environmental science and ecotechnology · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
Abstract
A degradation mechanism of polystyrene (PS) in mealworms reared on expanded PS (EPS) was investigated by its decrease in molecular weight and change in chemical structure. A 33% decrease in molecular weight was observed for the digested PS in the frass after 1 week of feeding to mealworms. The FT-IR and py-GC/MS spectra of the digested PS showed radical oxidative reactions taking place in the mealworm body. The presence of hydroperoxide, alcohol and phenol groups was confirmed, and dimer fragments of styrene with quinone and phenol groups were obtained. The decrease in molecular weight and the alternation of benzene rings indicated that autoxidation and quinonization via phenolic intermediates occurred simultaneously in the mealworm body. The survival rate of mealworms reared on EPS was higher than that of starved worms, indicating that EPS was a nutrient source. However, no weight gain was observed in mealworms fed EPS alone. Comparison with the mixed diets with bran or urethane foams (PU) indicated that protein, phosphorus and magnesium components absent from EPS were required for mealworm growth.
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Registered trials
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