Open Access

ARTICLE

Enhancing the Decomposition of Paper Cups Using Galleria Mellonella and Eisenia Fetida

Shadi Moqbel^1,*, Habib Al-Ghoul², Abd Al-Majeed Al-Ghzawi³, Rami Mukbel⁴

1 Civil Engineering Department, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
2 Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
3 Plant Production, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
4 Basic Medical Veterinary Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan

* Corresponding Author: Shadi Moqbel. Email:

Journal of Renewable Materials 2024, 12(2), 349-367. https://doi.org/10.32604/jrm.2023.046369

Received 28 September 2023; Accepted 06 December 2023; Issue published 11 March 2024

Abstract

The composition of paper cups creates a challenge for the recycling industry, as the paperboard–plastic film composite is hard to separate. Therefore, paper cups are sent to landfills or waste incinerators. This study explores the combined use of red worms (Eisenia fetida) and Greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) in the biodegradation of paper cups. The study investigates the conditions and combinations that promote using Eisenia fetida and Galleria mellonella for degrading paper cups. The study considered the influence of environmental temperature, the presence of food waste, varying the number of Eisenia fetida worms, and the presence of a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent on the degradation process. To achieve the study objectives, the study followed a quantitative approach. The study monitored the degradation of paper cup cuts that were placed in jars containing different combinations of Eisenia fetida worms, Galleria mellonella larvae, food waste, bedding material, and Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agents. The study found that the best operating temperature is 30^oC. The study found that using food waste improves the performance of Eisenia fetida worms and Galleria mellonella larvae significantly. The study found that adding a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent slightly enhances the degradation of the paper cup. Finally, a numerical model was obtained to simulate the paper cup degradation efficiency.

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Graphical Abstract

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