Assessment on the potential of plastics biodegradation by immature black soldier fly larvae hermetia illucens, (diptera: stratiomyidae)

Immature black soldier fly (Hermatia illucens) is an important indicator in carrying out this study. This study was conducted to see the extent to which the black soldier fly (BSF) larvae interacted with some selected types of plastic. There are five types of plastic used, including Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), and Polyethylene (PE). During that period, it was noted that the percentage of each plastic was recorded. The distribution of plastic consumption by BSF larvae was as follows: Polystyrene (PS) exhibited the highest level of consumption, with 22% of this plastic type having been consumed, with larvae. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) was the next most consumed, with larvae having ingested 21% of this plastic. Polyethylene (PE) followed, with 20% of this plastic type consumed. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) saw a lower consumption rate, with 19% of this plastic being eaten. The least consumed plastic among those tested was Polypropylene (PP), with only 18% having been ingested by the BSF larvae.