Biodegradation of waste refrigerator polyurethane by mealworms

● Waste refrigerator polyurethane (WRPU) was ingested and biodegraded by mealworms. ● The carbon in WRPU-based frass was lower than that in WRPU. ● Urethane groups in WRPU were broken down after ingestion by mealworms. ● Thermal stability of WRPU-based frass were deteriorated compared to that of WRPU. ● Gut microbiomes of mealworms fed using WRPU were distinct from that fed using bran. Refrigerator insulation replacement results in discarding a large amount of waste refrigerator polyurethane (WRPU). Insect larvae like mealworms have been used to biodegrade pristine plastics. However, knowledge about mealworms degrading WRPU is scarce. This study presents an in-depth investigation of the degradation of WRPU by mealworms using the micro-morphology, composition, and functional groups of WRPU and the egested frass characteristics. It was found that the WRPU debris in frass was scoured, implying that WRPU was ingested and degraded by mealworms. The carbon content of WRPU-based frass was lower than that of WRPU, indicating that mealworms utilized WRPU as a carbon source. The urethane groups in WRPU were broken, and benzene rings’ C=C and C–H bonds in the isocyanate disappeared after being ingested by mealworms. Thermal gravimetric-differential thermal gravimetry analysis showed that the weight loss temperature of WRPU-based frass was 300 °C lower than that of WRPU, indicating that the thermal stability of WRPU deteriorated after being ingested. The carbon balance analysis confirmed that carbon in the ingested WRPU released as CO2 increased from 18.84 % to 29.80 %, suggesting that WRPU was partially mineralized. The carbon in the mealworm biomass ingesting WRPU decreased. The possible reason is that WRPU does not supply sufficient nutrients for mealworm growth, and the impurities and odor present in WRPU affect the appetite of the mealworms. The microbial community analysis indicated that WRPU exerts a considerable effect on the gut microorganism of mealworms. These findings confirm that mealworms degrade WRPU.