STB G2

Theoretical Framework

As the world's fastest-growing industrial source of greenhouse gases (Kakar et al., 2023), plastic waste has been a pressing issue for solid waste management due to its inability to be easily broken down organically. This phenomenon affects animals as they consume plastic particles. It also causes ozone depletion as well as abnormalities in hormone action when humans ingest even small amounts of plastic. A potential solution was found from superworms (Zophobas atratus) being discovered to survive on pure plastic diets. Since there are no published literature on the effect of mixed plastic diets to the species, the current study aims to identify the most ideal diet for the superworms to thrive, using the idea of mixing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with chicken feed (CF), and to help in spreading the awareness of the aforementioned discovery.

Theoretical Framework

RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

DESCRIPTIVE
1. What is the proportion of polyethylene terephthalate in the diet given to the Zophobas atratus that they consumed the most?
2. In what diet setup did the Zophobas atratus consume the highest percentage of the given polyethylene terephthalate?

INFERENTIAL
1. Do the average weights and survival rates of the Zophobas atratus significantly differ between diets with different proportions of polyethylene terephthalate?

Procedural Framework

An experimental research design was used to test the effect of the proportion of PET and chicken feed in the diets of the superworms on their average weight and survival rate.

Five setups of at least 90 superworms were randomly selected and assigned to different treatments of PET proportions in their diets and weighed. After being starved for 24 hours, all dead larvae were removed, and each setup was given 12.0-g diets with the following specific proportions, A: 100% chicken feed, B: 25% PET, 75% chicken feed, C: 50% PET, 50% chicken feed, D: 75% PET, 25% chicken feed, and E: 100% PET. Every after 3 days from the start of feeding, the group collected the following data: weight of the live superworms, weight of leftover chicken feed and PET, number of deceased worms, and weight of frass. After each 3-day feeding, dead larvae, and unconsumed PET and chicken feed were removed from all setups, and each was refilled with its respective diet. This continued for an 18-day total feeding period. The weights of remaining chicken feed, PET, and overall diets of each group after each 3-day feeding period were

Procedural Framework

used as descriptive data. For inferential data analysis, the changes in average weight and survival rates of each group after each 3-day feeding period were used, with data grouped under 5 treatment categories. Since the variances of the samples were not equal, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used as the nonparametric alternative to the One-Way ANOVA to test the claim that there is a significant difference between the changes in average weight and between the survival rates of superworms that have been given diets with different proportions of PET.

In accordance with the framework of the Animal Protection Index and the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, the housing, food, substrate, and proper atmospheric control (lighting, ventilation, and humidity) of the enclosure of the superworms were extensively provided for. The research methods did not invade superworms during feeding periods nor actively kill the animal subjects. After data collection, the superworms were given to a poultry owner to align with ethical considerations.

DESCRIPTIVE

1. What is the proportion of polyethylene terephthalate in the diet given to the Zophobas atratus that they consumed the most?

The superworms fed with 100% chicken feed and 0% PET had the highest total diet consumption (197.01 mg / superworm).

2. In what diet setup did the Zophobas atratus consume the highest percentage of the given polyethylene terephthalate?

The superworms given a 75% PET and 25% chicken feed diet consumed the most PET out of the given PET (2.74%). It was also observed that the given chicken feed was consumed more in the setups, even if there were PETs mixed in the diets.

INFERENTIAL

1. Do the average weights and survival rates of the Zophobas atratus significantly differ between diets with different proportions of polyethylene terephthalate?

There is a significant difference (p<0.05) between the changes in average weight and between the survival rates of superworms that have been given diets with different proportions of PET. The setup given a 100% PET diet was the most consistent in terms of its survival rate, with its minimal changes throughout time and it being the highest with a mean of 98%, even though it can be seen that there are visible changes in their overall weight from the graph. The only setup that gained average weight was that given a 25% PET diet, but there could be other factors that affected this. Cannibalism was noticeably observed more in this setup due to more half-eaten bodies being present in the container. It was also inferred that there was contamination in this setup, possibly affecting their mean survival rate to be 58%, the lowest among the setups throughout the experiment.

The researchers concluded that the given diet with 0% PET was consumed the most by the superworms. In terms of PET consumption, the superworms consumed the highest percentage of the given PET when they were given a diet with 75% PET. Adding a small amount of chicken feed to this diet coincided with a higher level of PET consumption. There is also enough evidence to support the claim that there is a significant difference between the changes in average weight and between the survival rates of the superworms that have been fed diets with different proportions of PET. This may serve as a new area of interest in research since all published studies so far have only focused on giving pure diets to superworms.

The setup with 100% PET had the highest survival rate. However, this may not be particularly due to the diet given. Pathogenic contamination and observed cannibalism may have affected the overall and baseline health and survival of the superworms. Another limitation was the manual isolation of the small particles of chicken feed, PET, and frass,

which may have also affected the validity of the results. With this, for future research, it is recommended to use softer types of plastic that superworms would consume more easily such as polystyrene (styrofoam), to utilize more automated processes, and to increase the duration of the experiment.

With the prevalence of plastic pollution and the paucity of available studies regarding the consumption of PET-mixed diets by superworms, this study can contribute to the knowledge of future researchers who may provide possible solutions and alternatives for managing plastic waste. Government agencies such as the DENR, LGUs, and NGOs dedicated to environmental conservation may use this study to add to their knowledge on degrading plastic through methods other than reducing, reusing, and recycling. This research could expand the knowledge base for future researchers on the feasibility and effectiveness of this process in helping to reduce plastic waste pollution.

Julia
"Sorting Expert"

Dominique
"Jamovi Master"

Patricia
“Superworm Bestie”

Jesusa
“Unlimited PET Supplier”

Maurice
“Machine-like Plastic Shredder”

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