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Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

A. Background of the Study

Plastic pollution is one of the main problem of our society these days. The usage

of plastics became more popular as waste products from plastics also increases. Now

researchers find solutions on how to solve this problem. Some people even tried to burn

plastics but the result was much worse because the smoke that it produce is not good

for the ozone layer. Some tried to recycle plastics making trash into usable things like

chairs and tables. Still plastics are still everywhere, you can see it on sidewalks, rivers,

seashores and even at the middle of the ocean which were carried out by the waves. The

effects that it caused to the environment is devastating, other animals are affected to.

Dead sea turtles are found on shores with their intestines full of plastics. People wanted

to help but only a few are committed. Paolo Bombelli and Christopher Howie at the

University of Cambridge, UK and Federica Bertocchini at the University of Cantabria in

Spain who had proceeded an experiment about wax moth caterpillars at polyethylene film

in the laboratory 2017 found out that these wax moth caterpillars can degrade

polyethylene plastics. Still further study is needed, for them to actually conclude what

enzyme or microbe is inside these wax moth caterpillars that turns polyethylene plastics

into biodegradable matter.

Even though they have this big discovery about a creature that can degrade

polyethylene plastic, still polyethylene plastic is not the only type of plastic that is being

thrown. There are many types of possible common plastics that can be part as trash
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according to Alem, (n. d.), like Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High Density

Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC), Low Density Polyethylene(LDPE),

Polypropylene(PP).( https://www.cutplasticsheeting.co.uk/blog/uncategorized/the-5-

most-common-plastics-their-everyday-uses/). Will these wax moth caterpillars also have

the ability to degrade other types of plastics that is similar to polyethylene? By knowing

the answer to this question, it can lead the information about the ability of wax moth to

degrade common plastics. It is not literally focusing only on the plastic but also on what

enzyme is in it and its capability. Of course, the type of material is needed to be

considered, such as the hardness because wax moth caterpillars are just tiny animals.

Even though this may not lead into a big addition as information but it can lead others to

research more about wax moth caterpillars for biotechnological advancement to degrade

such plastics and the problem of plastic pollution will be controlled.

Despite wax moth caterpillar can degrade polyethylene there are other types of

common plastics dumped everywhere that is part of societies problem. Wax moth

caterpillar can lead into biotechnological degrading machines, also knowing its ability and

capability is another information to consider making these advancements. Even though

more research is needed to fully conquer and control plastic pollution, it is fine. That’s

how science work you cannot expect to see all information on a plate but instead find

clues to build up ideas and information little by little.

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B. Statement of the Problem

The study attempts to determine wax moth caterpillars’ ability on degrading

common plastics.

Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. What common plastic/s can the wax moth caterpillars degrade?

2. What common plastic/s cannot be degrade by wax moth caterpillars?

3. How much(mg) can the wax moth caterpillar degrade in a day for:

3.1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

3.2. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

3.3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

3.4. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

3.5. Polypropylene (PP)

C. Significance of the Study

The results of this study will merit the following:

Biologist. The result of this study could serve as an additional information for

biologist wanting to research about wax moth.

Future Researchers. The result of this study could serve as a basic information

for further studies about wax moth ability to degrade plastic.

Engineers. The result of this study could encourage engineers to innovate

biotechnological construction for degrading plastics.

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Students. The result of this study could encourage students to be more concern

about plastic pollution and encourage innovation inspired from wax moth ability to

degrade plastic.

Teachers. The result of this study could serve as an additional information for

encouraging students to be more active in terms of solving plastic pollution.

D. Scope and Delimitation

This study will be held at Marian College, Ipil Zamboanga Sibugay.

Determining the amount(mg) of specific common plastic degraded in 24hrs is the

focus of this research. The data will be gathered using a weighing scale and a timer. All

information and conclusions drawn from this study will be obtained only to this particular

group of greater wax moth caterpillars.

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Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

A. Theoretical Framework

According to Hernandez, C. (April 24, 2017), wax moth larvae could inspire

biotechnological methods for degrading plastics.

Researchers who were carrying plastic bags filled with caterpillars have discovered

that one species can digest polyethylene, a ubiquitous plastic that is one of the toughest

to break down. Wax moth (Galleria Mellonella) that lives on beehives, feeding on honey

and wax. Paolo Bombelli and Christopher Howie at the University of Cambridge, UK and

Federica Bertocchini at the University of Cantabria in Spain who had proceeded an

experiment about these wax moth caterpillars at polyethylene film in the laboratory.

100 of them could degrade 92 milligrams of plastic around 12 hours and had

observed that it does not only chew the plastic but also digesting the plastic. They had

thought of it might be because polyethylene has a similar characteristics as beeswax

which wax moth caterpillars consume. Researchers are still discovering what particular

polyethylene digestive enzyme is inside of wax moth caterpillars digestive system or it

might be cause of gut microbes.

Philip Ball (2017), wax moth’s ability to degrade polyethylene is helpful on educing

society’s plastic pollution but put crops at risk.

This discovery can help to eliminate global pollution from plastic waste. These wax

moth are held and kept by scientist and amateur beekeeper. The discovery was reported

at Cambridge university and Spanish National Research that these wax moth can degrade
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polyethylene plastic that can be found in waste. Still these wax moth are still considered

as pest. In United Kingdom alone discards 2 million ton of wax moth in a year. Even in

United States, these wax moth deals over 4 million dollar worth of damage annually.

This particular study will attempt to determine the ability of greater wax moth

caterpillar to degrade common plastics.

According to Yang, J. et. al. (2014), they found that wax worms on India meal

moth, were capable of chewing and eating Polyethylene films, packaging, plastic bags,

building constructions, landscaping and electrical fabrication. The result of the study

demonstrated the presence of PE- degrading bacteria in the guts of wax worms and able

of biodegradation of PE in the Environment.

According to Bombelli, P., et. al. (2017), Therefore, new solutions for plastic

degradation are urgently needed. We report the fast bio- degradation of PE by larvae of

the wax moth Galleria mellonella, producing ethylene alcohol.

Also, Arnold, C. (April 24, 2017), “Each year, the world produces 300 million tons

of plastics much of which resist degradation and ends up polluting area of the globe.” But

a discovery was made, led by Federica Bertocchini as she cleaned out her backyard bee

hives, she remove some wax worms(Galleria mellonela) and placed them in an old plastic

bag to find out, she teamed up with fellow scientist Paolo Bombelli and Christopher Hove,

brought them concluding that can enzyme living in wax moth bodies dissolve plastic.

Another by Tacio, H. D. (July 3, 2018), he describe what plastic are, how much we

use them, the harmful effects and environmental impacts, plus positive industry taken to
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reverse plastic related problem and solution. We all know that plastic is one of the most

troublesome problem in the economy because of its duration in degrading. Many people

tried burning the plastic but the outcome is far worst because the smoke created from

burning plastics can affect the ozone layer so we cant burn plastic that is why plastic is a

troublesome problem. Many industry, scientists and etc. have tried solving this major

problem but until today we still have plastics everywhere.

According to Guern, C. L. (September 2019), plastic is one of the greatest problem

mankind have ever faced. Plastic pollution is how a major threat in our society, because

we use plastic in our daily routine and the more we use plastic, the harder it is to control.

In order to prevent this threat, many people have tried to find ways to lessen the usage

of plastic and finding new ways to use plastic in very ecofriendly state.

Common Types of Plastics

According to Craig, F. (n. d.), there is a way to identify types of plastics in your

everyday used products especially food storage containers. PET plastic is the most well-

known member of the family of polyester. It is usually used in bottles, jam jars, detergents

and cleaner containers. It has become popular because of its hard ability to make a liquid

and gas barrier so that oxygen can’t get into food to spoil.

Another by the Creative Mechanics Blog (n. d.), “Polypropylene is a thermoplastic

made from the combination of propylene monomers. It is mostly used for packaging for

the consumer products. Polypropylene can be manufactured into a living hinge and can
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be copolymerized with other polymer like polyethylene. It is used in both household and

industrial applications and has an ability to adapt in many fabrication techniques.

Also Nishan Thakkar (October 17, 2016), PVC is one of the used plastics in

construction. PVC also has 2 general forms, first is rigid PVC, the RPVC is a hard plastics

and commonly found in a construction site, and second is the flexible, plasticized or

regular PVC and it is softer than RPVC and commonly used in insulation on electrical

wires, flooring in homes and etc. When a PVC is burning it releases a toxic fumes that is

hazardous to the environment. To sum all of it PVC can be handy when handled property.

Another by Amanda Hermes (April 24, 2017), The American Chemistry Council

(ACC), LDPE is primary in film applications. LDPE is also commonly used to produce some

flexible lids and bottles as well as in wire and cable applications. LDPE is used to make

many thin , flexible products like plastic bags because it is though, flexible and relatively

transparent. LDPE is used to wrap some foods and also manufacturers use LDPE to create

thin container, lids, squeezable bottles and some toys.

Studied by Metzer (2018), High Density Polyethylene is used to make plastic

containers for milk and detergents. It can be made translucent or opaque. Colored HDPE

containers have greater strength than see through bottles. Examples of plastics that is

made by HDPE are toys, soda bottles, trash cans, traffic cones and plastic lumber foe

decks and outdoor furniture.

Another study studied by Todd, J. (2019), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is the

most known common plastic because of its durable thermoplastic that shows tough

resistance to chemicals, wears and moisture. This plastic is open with trade name such
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as: Tecadur pet, Impet, nuplas and petlon. PET plastic is commonly used in making

bottled water or jam jars. High density polyethylene is a flexible to hard plastic while low

density polyethylene is a soft and flexible plastic.

Lastly by Elsevier, B. V. (2019), Science direct polyethylene as a thermoplastic

polymer which makes it moldable at a certain elevated temperature and solidifies upon

cooling and is biodegradable and semi-crystalline which means it can be decomposed by

the action of living organisms, usually microbes into water, carbon dioxide and etc. And

because it is a semi-crystalline polymer they do not gradually soften with a temperature

increase, instead semi-crystalline materials remain solid until given quantity of heat is

absorbed and heat due to its sharp melting point.

B. Conceptual Framework

500 Wax Scaling of Plastics The difference

Moth (milligrams) between the
Caterpillar scale of
plastics before
PET
and after the
experiment
HDPE (milligrams)

PVC
Scaling of
plastics
LDPE
after the
experiment
PP (milligrams
)

Experiment Wax moth caterpillar

ability to degrade
common plastics
(milligrams/day)
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C. Hypotheses

Ho: The wax moth caterpillar will not have the ability to degrade Polyvinyl Chloride

(PVC) plastics because of its hardness.

Hi: The wax moth caterpillar will have the ability to degrade Low Density

Polyethylene (LDPE) plastics at 1 milligram per 100 wax moth caterpillar in a day.

Hi: The wax moth caterpillar will have the ability to degrade Polypropylene (PP)

plastics at 0.1 milligram per 100 wax moth caterpillar in a day.

Ho: The wax moth caterpillar will not have the ability to degrade High Density

Polyethylene (HDPE) plastics because of its hardness.

Hi: The wax moth caterpillar will have the ability to degrade Polyethylene

Terephthalate (PET) plastics at 0.3 milligram per 100 wax moth caterpillar in a day.
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D. Definition of Terms

Biotechnological- means relating to biotechnology.

(https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/biotechnological)

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)- Incredibly strong considering its density, HDPE is a

solid material that can tolerate high temperatures and strong chemicals. One of the

reasons that HDPE is used so regularly is that it can be recycled in many different ways

and therefore converted into many different things

(https://www.cutplasticsheeting.co.uk/blog/uncategorized/the-5-most-common-plastics-

their-everyday-uses/)

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)- is defined by a density range of 0.910–0.940 g/cm3.

It is not reactive at room temperatures, except by strong oxidizing agents, and some

solvents cause swelling. It can withstand temperatures of 80 °C continuously and 95 °C

for a short time. Made in translucent or opaque variations, it is quite flexible and tough.

(https://www.plasticseurope.org/en/about-plastics/what-are-plastics/large-

family/polyolefins)

Plastic- specifically: any of numerous organic synthetic or processed materials that are

mostly thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers of high molecular weight and that can

be made into objects, films, or filaments. (https://www.merriam-

webster.com/dictionary/plastic)

Polyethylene- any of various partially crystalline lightweight thermoplastics that are

resistant to chemicals and moisture, have good insulating properties, and are used
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specially in packaging and insulation. (https://www.merriam-

webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene)

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), a strong, stiff synthetic fibre and resin, and a

member of the polyester family of polymers. PET is spun into fibres for permanent-press

fabrics, blow-molded into disposable beverage bottles, and extruded into photographic

film and magnetic recording tape. (https://www.britannica.com/science/polyethylene-

terephthalate)

Polyvinyl chloride- la polymer of vinyl chloride used specially for electrical insulation,

films, and pipes. (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ polyvinylchloride)

Ubiquitous-existing or being everywhere at the same time: constantly encountered:

WIDESPREAD. (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ubiquitous )

Polypropylene- any of various thermoplastic plastics or fibers that are polymers of

propylene. (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polypropylene )

Wax moth- a dull brownish or ashen pyralid moth (Galleria mellonella) with a larva that

feeds on the honeycomb wax of bees. (https://www.merriam-

webster.com/dictionary/wax%20moth)
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Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

A. Research Design

This study will determine the ability of wax moth caterpillar to degrade common

plastics. The matched comparison group quasi experimental design will be use in this

research.

According to Hanita, M. et. al. (January 2017), “A matched-comparison group

design allows the evaluator to make causal claims about the impact of aspects of an

intervention without having to randomly assign participants.”

Since this study needs to select experimental group that shows similarities, the

match comparison group quasi experimental design is best suited. As mentioned, the

ability of wax moth degrading common plastics is measured by the difference of the

weights before and after the test, over 24hrs of time.

B. Subject of the Study

This study will require 100 greater wax moth (Galleria Mellonella)

caterpillars. That will be divided into 10 for every treatment applied, that will be held at

Marian College Ipil Zamboanga Sibugay.

C. Research Instrument

The main tool that will be use in this study are weighing scale, containers for wax

moth to be placed and a timer. Weighing scale to be able to weigh plastics weight before
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and after exposure to wax moth caterpillars. Containers for where the wax moth will be

placed. Timer to set the specific amount of time plastics will be exposed to wax moth

caterpillars.

D. Research Procedure

The researchers will collect 100 greater wax moth and at the same time collects 1

sample for each common type of plastic: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High Density

Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE),

Polypropylene (PP).

Then for each sample of 5 common plastics will be weighted before the experiment

will start. The weight of each will be recorded in a scale of milligrams (mg). The wax

moth caterpillars will be divided into one- hundred for each sample of common plastics

that will be placed in a container,

After all example for each common type of plastic are weighted and all wax moth

caterpillars are divided equally in every container. The timer will be set for 24 hours and

each sample of common type of plastic will be exposed to 10 wax moth caterpillars with

each individual container.

After 24 hours of exposure to wax moth caterpillars for every sample of common

plastic the samples of common plastics will be weighted again. Each sample of common

plastic will be gathered in a scale of milligram (mg).

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After all data will be gathered the researchers will compute for the difference of

the weight for every type of common plastic before and after the experiment. And will be

recorded as milligrams of plastic degraded in a day.

The data result will be analyze to determine the ability of wax moth caterpillar ability to

degrade common plastics.

E. Treatment of Data

The data that will be gathered will be treated by using statistical tools dealing

with the amount of plastic degraded by wax moth caterpillars for a day.

Mean, the mean is the average of a set of numbers. To find the mean of a data

set, add up all of the numbers in the set, and then divide that total by the number of

numbers in the set. (https://sciencing.com/define-mean-math-5412437.html)

1. Formula for finding the mean.

∑𝐷
𝑋̅𝐷 =
𝑛

Where:

𝑋̅𝐷 = Computed mean

∑ 𝐷= Summation of the difference of the weights of

common plastics before and after the experiment.

n= Number of types of common plastics

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Standard Deviation is a statistic that measures the dispersion of a dataset

relative to its mean and is calculated as the square root of the variance.

(https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/standarddeviation.asp)

2. The formula to compute the Standard Deviation of the difference of the weight

of common plastics before and after the experiment.

∑(𝐷−𝑋̅𝐷 )2
𝜎𝐷 = √
𝑛−1

Where:

𝜎𝐷 = Standard Deviation

D= difference (total weight before and total weight after the

experiment)

𝑋̅𝐷 = mean difference

n= number of types of common plastics

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F. Reference

Arnold, C. (April 24, 2017). “This bug can eat plastic. But can it clean up our mess?”

National Geographic. Retrieved from

https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/04/wax-worms-eat-plastic-polyethylene-

trash-pollution-cleanup/

Ball, P. (April 25, 2017). “Plastic-eating bugs? It’s a great story- but there’s a sting in the

tail.” Retrieved from

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/apr/25/plastic-eating-bugs-wax-

moth-caterpillars-bee

Elsevier, B. V. (2019), Polyethylene Terephthalate. Retrieved from

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/polyethylene-

terephthalate

Guern, C. L. (September 2019). “WHEN THE MERMAIDS CRY: THE GREAT PLASTIC

TIDE.” Retrieved from http://plastic-pollution.org/

Hanita, M. et. al. (January 2017). Matched-Comparison Group Design: An Evaluation Brief

for

Educational Stakeholders. Retrieved from

https://www.edc.org/sites/default/files/uploads/matched_comparison_group_des

ign.pdf

Hermes, A. (April 24, 2017). “what is LDPE plastic?”. Retrieved from

https://sciencing.com/ldpe-plastic-6001216.html
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Hernandez, C. (April 24, 2017). “This caterpillar can digest plastic.” Retrieved from

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-017-00593-y.

Metzer (2018), “what is HDPE Plastic?” Retrieved from https://sciencing.com/raw-

materials-plasticbottles5747796.html

Tacio, H. D. (July 3, 2018). “plastic problems, pollution in the Philippines.” Retrieved from

https://www.gaiadiscovery.com/planet/plastic-problems-pollution-philippines

The Creative Mechanisms Blog (n. d.), retrieved from

https://www.creativemechanisms.com/blog/all-about-polypropylene-pp-plastic

Yang, J. et. al. (2014). “Environmental Science and Technology.” Retrieved from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268154348_Evidence_of_Polyethylene

_Biodegradation_by_Bacterial_Strains_from_the_Guts_of_Plastic-Eating_Waxworms

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/biotechnological

https://www.cutplasticsheeting.co.uk/blog/uncategorized/the-5-most-common-plastics-

their-everyday-uses/

https://www.plasticseurope.org/en/about-plastics/what-are-plastics/large-

family/polyolefins

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plastic

https://www.britannica.com/science/polyethylene-terephthalate

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ubiquitous

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propylene

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wax%20moth

https://sciencing.com/define-mean-math-5412437.html
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https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/standarddeviation.asp

https://www.cutplasticsheeting.co.uk/blog/uncategorized/the-5-most-common-plastics-

their-everyday-uses/