Pasay City National Science High School

Pasay City National Science High School
2888 Vergel St. Pasay City
Degradation of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Plastic Using Furniture Carpet Beetle Larvae
(Arthenus flavipes)
A Research Proposal Presented to the

Science and Technology Department
2888 Vergel Street, Pasay City
In Partial Fulfilment
of the Requirements for the Subject Research III:
Independent Research I
Presented by:
Abuel, Danielle Kim A.
Agabon, Jullian Miguel P.
Angeles, Darlene A.
Balbido, Sara Bernadette D.
Bruno, Bianca G.
Dela Cruz, Princess Maye N.
Gerobin, Dave Matthew H.
Sensico, Ma. Regina B.
G9 Boyle
Presented to:
Ms. Johann Shaira S. Malicana
Research Adviser
October 2017
1
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
The country produces more than 3 million metric tons of plastic garbage every
year, which makes it one of the main contributors to the widespread of waste plastic
around the world. Plastic bags are made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) which
are primarily used in film applications. That makes this plastic waste cannot easily
degrade by itself. This is one of the main reasons why researchers are finding ways to
continuously decrease the wide-spread production of plastic waste by degradation
(Hermes, 2017).
Still, 500 billion plastic bags every year are being used worldwide that makes
its utilization a wide spread due to being inexpensive and convenient. The
accumulation of plastic bags is discarded as wastes after single use, which lead to
environmental pollution. Also, studies revealed that plastic bags can last up from 20 to
1000 years without being decomposed. The plastic material requires both chemical
and physical methods to dispose which is a risk, not only for it is costly but as it
produces harmful persistent organic pollutants (POP's), that are toxic irritant products
(Barla, A., et.al., 2017).
Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE) is mainly used in manufacturing

lightweight plastic materials, like plastic bags. LDPE plastics are soft, flexible,
relatively transparent, and low-dense, which makes it useful for a range of
applications. Like any other plastics, LDPE plastics are malleable and softer, which
resists from stress factoring. LDPE plastics are easily processed and are low cost that
makes them convenient to use everyday. On the other hand, furniture carpet beetle
larvae are basically pests of stored woolen clothes, which are also capable of eating
wide range of fibers including fur, hair, silk, felt, and other items made of animal
origin (Jacobs Sr., 2013). Symbiotic bacteria cells are present in the furniture carpet
beetle larvae that helps it to digest the fabric.
2
Like any other plastic products, LDPE plastics are widely produced around the
globe primarily used for many purposes which leads to environmental pollution due to
improper waste disposal. Also, LDPE plastics cannot easily be degraded or burned. In
present study, LDPE plastic bags were considered to be inert and were degraded by
isolating it from soil dumped with polyethylene bags (Anbuselvi,2014).
This study aims to utilize furniture carpet beetle larvae as an effective

degrading agent of LDPE Plastic. Specifically, this research study will also determine
the preferred location and symbiotic bacterial cell contents of the furniture carpet
beetle larvae, the optimum count needed for the tests, specifically the ecotoxicity test
and biodegradation test.
3
Statement of the Problem
The main problem in this study is to identify the capability of furniture carpet
beetle larvae in degrading Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Plastic.
Specifically, this study will answer the following:
1. What are the characteristics of the furniture carpet beetle larvae as

an effective degrading agent in terms of:
1.1. preferred location; and
1.2. symbiotic bacterial cells content?
2. What is the optimum count of furniture carpet beetle larvae (50,
100, and 150) as an effective degrading agent of LDPE plastic?
3. What is the effectivity of furniture carpet beetle larvae in degrading
plastic in terms of:
3.1. ecotoxicity test; and
3.2. biodegradation test?
4
Objectives
The study aims to identify the capability of furniture carpet beetle larvae in
degrading Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastic.
Specifically, the study aims to:
1. Determine the characteristics of the furniture carpet beetle larvae in

terms of:
1.1. preferred location; and
1.2. symbiotic bacterial cells content.
2. Identify the optimum count of furniture carpet beetle larvae (50,
100, and 150) as an effective degrading agent of LDPE Plastic.
3. Distinguish the tests that can determine the effectivity of furniture
carpet beetle larvae in degrading plastic in terms of:
3.1. ecotoxicity test; and
3.2. biodegradation test.
5
Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis:
Furniture carpet beetle larvae does not show a significant effect on degrading
Low-Density Polyethylene Plastic in terms of ecotoxicity test and biodegradation test.
Alternative Hypothesis:
Furniture carpet beetle larvae shows a significant effect on degrading Low-

Density Polyethylene Plastic in terms of ecotoxicity test and biodegradation test.
6
Significance of the Study
The findings of this study will help the community to lessen and degrade Low-
Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Plastics. LDPE Plastics are commonly used in urban
cities, especially in markets. In the 1950s, the polyethylene plastic makes its first
appearance (British Plastics Federation, 2017). Although these kinds of plastics had
been useful all throughout the years, it is not favorable that it would be everywhere.
So by using furniture carpet beetle larvae as a degrading agent, these LDPE plastics
can be lessened.
Plastics are widely used and it adds to non-biodegradable waste, which means
it cannot be decomposed. Plastic pollution in the marine and land environment is the
cause of hazardous and ecological damaging effects (Webb et.al., 2013). With the use
of this study, LDPE Plastics can be lessened and degraded the natural way.
Each country produces more than 3 million metric tons of plastic garbage
every year, which makes it one of the main contributors to the widespread of waste
plastic around the world. In the Philippines, industries like construction, food,
cosmetics, electronics, packaging, and automotive are aligned with the viability of the
plastics industry (Plastics, n.d.). Due to the over usage of plastic throughout the year,
it should be lessen for the sake of the condition of environment. With this study,
LDPE Plastics can be degraded by furniture carpet beetle larvae.
Plastics have an important role worldwide. It is commonly used in different

kind of industries. Today, there are more than 20 different major types of plastics used
in the world (North, 2004). Since the production rate of plastic is increasing
continuously, the rate of the plastic waste is increasing as well. Therefore, this study
aims to lessen non-biodegradable waste by using furniture carpet beetle larvae as a
degrading agent to LDPE Plastic.
7
Scopes and Limitations
The study focuses on the capability of furniture carpet beetle larvae as an

effective degrading agent of LDPE plastic. Furniture carpet beetle larvae with the
varying amount of 50, 100, and 150 is the independent variable wherein it will be
used to degrade LDPE plastic and the constant variable is the time for it to degrade
the plastic. The controlled variable is the chemical xylene that will be used to degrade
the LDPE plastic. The result of the ability of furniture carpet beetle larvae and the
chemical to the LDPE Plastic will be compared. Biodegradation and ecotoxicity test
will be used to determine the effectivity of furniture carpet beetle larvae as a
degrading agent. The tests will be conducted at SGS Philippines, Inc. and Industrial
Technology Development Institute.
There are many ways on how to determine the effectiveness of webbing

furniture carpet beetle larvae in degrading LDPE Plastic. The physical attributes, life
cycle and etcetera of the furniture carpet beetle larvae will not be obtained. The study
will only use one type of larvae which is the furniture carpet beetle larvae This will
only cover the following tests such as; ecotoxicity test and biodegradation test. Other
tests such as the modified MITI test, decomposition test, and chemical test will not be
involved.
8
Definition of Terms
Accumulation is a mass or quantity of something that has gradually gathered or been

acquired. It is an increase of something over time. It is the continuous count of Plastic
in the world.
Biodegradation is the capability of being slowly destroyed and broken down into very
small parts by natural processes. This process is used to determine the degradation of
the furniture carpet beetle larvae.
Furniture carpet beetle larvae is a common pest of upholstered furniture that

measures around 5 mm in length. Their bodies are banded with stiff, erect brown
hairs. It. is the independent variable in the study wherein it is used as an effective
degrading agent.
Degradation is the process of reducing or being reduced. In this study, Low-density

Polyethylene Plastic will undergo this process.
Ecological behavior is the study of evolutionary basis for animal behavior due to
ecological pressures. In this study, it is used to determine the behavioral reaction of
the furniture carpet beetle larvae.
Ecotoxicity test is the use of either the species interest or animal models of the species
of interest. The study used this test to determine the effectivity of furniture carpet
beetle larvae as a degrading agent for LDPE Plastic
Low-Density Polyethylene Plastic is the most common type of plastic. It is the

dependent variable in the study wherein it was degraded by the furniture carpet beetle
larvae.
Persistent organic pollutants are organic compounds that are resistant to

environmental degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes. It
will be used to describe the components of the LDPE plastic in this study.
9
Symbiotic bacteria are bacteria living in symbiosis with another organism or each
other. It is the active compound of the furniture carpet beetle larvae wherein it is used
in the biodegradation process of the LPDE.
Toxic irritant products cause skin and eye irritations, often found in plastic waste. In
this study, it is used to describe the components of LDPE plastics.
10
CHAPTER 2
Review of Related Literature and Studies
This chapter presents the related literature and studies assimilated after
thorough and in-depth search done by the researchers. Several works of authors here
and abroad were analyzed in order to formulate a solid background of the present
study. Only those that were relevant were studied.
Furniture Carpet Beetle Larvae (Arthenus flavipes)
Figure 1 Furniture Carpet Beetle Larvae
Furniture carpet beetle larvae are widely known as a common pest of

upholstered furniture. It has an ability to digest keratin, a protein contained in animal
hairs and other animal-based fibers. The furniture carpet beetle is capable of
significant damage if infestations are undetected. It can destroy upholstered furniture
by devouring both the padding and the covering. Furniture carpet beetle larvae prefer
natural fibers, they also infest and destroy articles of clothing comprised of a natural
and synthetic blend. (Gahlhoff Jr., 2013)
Natural fibers are obtained from plant and animal sources, synthetic fibers are
obtained by chemical processing of petrochemicals. The synthetic fibers can be
woven into a fabric, just like natural fibers. A chain of a particular chemical substance
is called a polymer. The individual unit in a polymer is called the monomer. Thus, a
polymer is made up of many monomers. All synthetic fibers are polymers. Plastic is
also a polymer like synthetic fiber.
11
Symbiotic Bacterial Cells
Figure 2 Symbiotic Bacterial Cell
Symbiotic bacterial cells play a very important role in the midgut region in the
digestive system of the furniture carpet beetle larvae. These symbiotic bacteria are
living in symbiosis with its host organism, the furniture carpet beetle larvae found in
the ileum region in its digestive system (Chatterjee, R. C., et. al., 1991). With the
symbiotic bacteria in the digestive system, these helps break down foods that contain
fiber. Symbiotic bacteria can live either in or on plant or animal tissue. The symbiotic
bacteria cells live inside the tissue of the host, establishing an endosymbiosis
(Gosalbes, M. J., et. al., 2010).
Like any other moth or beetle larvae that has the ability of feeding on
keratinous materials, the carpet beetle larvae have its own symbiotic bacteria, making
it easily to digest on highly cross-linked protein content found on fabric, especially
woolen fibers. Aside from fabric, a woven form of a synthetic fiber, the symbiotic
bacterial cells can also deteriorate other synthetic textile fibers. Like fabric, plastic
films are examples of synthetic fibers which is a form a polymer.
12
Xylene
Figure 3 Xylene
Xylene (CH3)2C6H4 is a solvent that is widely used in industry and medical

technology. It is used as a solvent in the rubber, paint and leather industries. It has an
aromatic hydrocarbon known for its wide usage in tissue processing and cover
slipping in the histology laboratory. (J Oral Maxillofac Pathol, 2010) Naturally,
airplane fuel, gasoline and cigarette smoke are the things where xylene can be seen.
Xylene has a property of high solvency meaning it can dissolve different types of
solutes, which explains that it's really a best example to be a material in degrading
LDPE plastic. With accordance to the study of Abdullah et. al, xylene, benzene,
toluene, and trichloroethylene are hydrocarbons that has an advantage of degrading
LDPE plastic under suitable conditions.
Low-Density Polyethylene Plastic
Figure 4 LDPE Plastic Bags
13
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic which are obtained from

petroleum used primarily to the production of plastic bag and film applications. As a
conventional plastic material, LDPE is usually used in food packaging or food
services, retail industry and in agricultural field. It is almost necessary that LDPE will
continue to play an essential part in the commodities in spite of its resistance to
microbial or enzymatic degradation (Zhao et al,2007). This situation leads to the
growing problem of pollution and environmental concerns have promoted the
development of degradable plastics.
LDPE plastic is the most widely used packaging material primarily because of
its excellent mechanical properties, barrier properties against water, light weight, low
cost and high energy effectiveness. However, since it is used worldwide, and
resistance to biodegradability, the disposal strategies are already critical and it needs
attention. Each year, an estimated 500 billion to one trillion plastic bags are consumed
worldwide. After their use, the plastic material is discarded as waste and dumped in
landfills leading to environmental pollution since they are non-biodegradable.
Degradation Process of LDPE Plastic
Figure 5 Degradation Process of LDPE Plastic
Plastics can be compared to building materials, as they are used in various

purposes in our daily life. However, they cause environmental pollution through
accumulation in the environment due to their stable nature. In most countries, plastic
pollution is caused by improper recycling and waste management systems. The
uncooperative nature of LDPE to biological attack was believed to be contributed by
14
the hydrophobic carbon backbone and high molecular weight of the polymer. Thus,
over the years, the rapid biodegradation of plastic has been a subject of interest in the
waste management problem.
Biodegradation is a chemical process in which materials are dissolved by

bacteria or other biological elements. Therefore the process of biodegradation is an
upcoming trend in this field of degradation. One of the major strategies to facilitate
disintegration and subsequent degradation is by direct degradation of LDPE by
microorganisms using only polymer as sole carbon source. The microbial degradation
of plastic is carried out by enzymatic activities which leads to the breakdown of
polymer into monomers and oligomers followed by metabolism by microbial cells.
Ecotoxicity Test
Figure 6 Ecotoxicity Test
Ecotoxicity test is used in order to identify the toxic compounds present in a

substance, it is also the assessment of chemical effects on any other wild organisms.
The essence of ecotoxicity testing is not just to check how safe the test substance is
but to determine the possible toxic effects it can produce. Also, the information
obtained can serve as the basis for hazard classification. The effect of a compound or
mixed contamination on an organism can be assessed with this biotest. The goal of
ecotoxicity assessment is to understand the link between the concentrations of
chemicals and effects on organisms in the environment (Rudnik 2008).
15
In addition, the evaluation of ecotoxicity of Plastic Materials ensures the

environmental safety of products released to the market. In this study, Ecotoxicity test
will be used to determine the toxic effects of low-density polyethylene plastic to the
furniture carpet beetle larvae, if there are any.
Biodegradation Test
Figure 7 Biodegradation Test

Biodegradation tests measures the complex biochemical process that occurs
when microorganisms degrade a given type of material. Biodegradation testing for
plastics is typically run in situations like commercial composting.
The Biodegradation test will be used to compare the biodegradability of the

furniture carpet beetles and the xylene to the low density polyethylene plastic
(LDPE). This test will be conducted to help determine the biodegradability of low
density polyethylene plastic.
16
Synthesis
Furniture carpet beetle larvae are known as common pest that has an ability to
digest keratin, natural fibers, or even synthetic fibers. According to study, symbiotic
bacterial cells are present in the midgut region in the digestive system of the furniture
carpet beetle larvae and it has a major role in breaking down foods that contains fiber.
It is also proven that synthetic fibers are also polymers. And plastic is an example of a
polymer.
In the other hand, LDPE plastic is the most widely used packaging material
primarily because of varying uses. However, since it is used worldwide, and
resistance to biodegradability, the disposal strategies are considered critical and it
needs attention. Since they are non-biodegradable, it is discarded as waste and
dumped in landfills leading to environmental pollution.
Therefore, it was proposed that furniture carpet beetle is a solution as an

effective degrading agent of LDPE plastic in natural way with the help of its
symbiotic bacterial cells found in their gut area. Ecotoxicity test will determine the
effects of LDPE plastic to the furniture carpet beetle larvae after degrading it while
the biodegradation test will distinguish the biodegradability of the LDPE plastic after
being degraded by the furniture carpet beetle larvae and chemical xylene.
CHAPTER 3
17
Materials and Methods
This chapter describes the details on the study of the degradation of LDPE
plastic using furniture carpet beetle larvae. The experiment will be done by dividing
the procedure into three phases as shown in Figure 5.
 300 furniture carpet beetle

Phase 1 larvae
Gathering of Materials  50 plastic bags
 50 mL of Xylene
 4 glass containers
Phase 2
Degradation of LDPE Plastic
Degradation of LDPE plastic
using carpet beetle larvae
Degradation of LDPE Plastic

using xylene
Phase 3 Ecotoxicity test

Ecotoxicity test and
Biodegradation test
Biodegradation test
Collection of Data
Figure 8 Schematic Diagram of the Methodology
18
Research Design
Furniture carpet beetle larvae will be used in this study as an effective

degrading agent of LPDE plastic. This variable will determine and is expected to
significantly affect the degradation of the LDPE plastic. To perform this study, there
will be 4 set-ups to be made. The first set-up is the degradation of LDPE plastic using
50 furniture carpet beetle larvae. The second and third set-ups are the degradation of
LDPE plastic using 100 and 150 furniture carpet beetle larvae respectively. These set-
ups will be compared to the controlled set-up which is the degradation of LDPE
plastic using the chemical xylene. These set-ups will also undergo to ecotoxicity test
and biodegradation test with three trials each.
Phase 1 – Gathering of Materials
Furniture carpet beetle larvae, LDPE plastics, xylene, and glass containers are
the major materials needed to conduct this study. 300 furniture carpet beetle larvae
will be obtained from while the 50 pieces of LDPE plastic bags and 4 glass containers
will be bought from the wet market of Libertad, Pasay City. 50 mL of Xylene will be
bought from an online store which is OLX.ph.
Phase 2 – Degradation of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastic

Degradation of LDPE plastic using furniture carpet beetle larvae
To degrade the LDPE plastic, the first method to do is to put the plastic bag in
3 separate glass containers and place 50, 100, and 150 furniture carpet beetle larvae
inside their respective container. The furniture carpet beetle larvae will be placed
inside the plastic bag for 12 hours. After the duration time, it will be observed in
terms of the optimum number count of furniture carpet beetle larvae will be enough to
degrade the LDPE plastic. This process will be performed in the laboratory of Pasay
City National Science High School.
19
Degradation of LDPE plastic using xylene

Xylene will be used as the controlled variable in this set-up. To degrade the
LDPE plastic, the first method to do is to put the plastic bag in a separate glass
container. The 50 mL xylene will be gently poured in the LDPE plastic inside the
container and will be there for 20 minutes. Then it will make the xylene to react with
the LDPE plastic in order for it to be degraded.
Phase 3 – Ecotoxicity test and Biodegradation test
To determine the effectivity of the furniture carpet beetle larvae with xylene,
ecotoxicity test and biodegradation test must be done. Specifically, ecotoxicity and
biodegradation tests must be conducted.
Ecotoxicity test
To determine the toxicity , a toxicity chamber will be used. This is to determine

the toxicity level of the furniture carpet beetle larvae after degrading LDPE plastic.
This test will be performed in SGS Philippines, Inc. at 2/F Alegria Bldg. 2229 Chino
Roces Avenue Makati Metro Manila, Philippines.
Biodegradation test
To determine the degradation , a UV degradation machine will be used. This is
to determine the degredation level of the LDPE plastic after being degraded by the
furniture carbet beetle larvae.This will be performed in Industrial Technology
Development Institute General Santos Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila.
Collection of Data
To test the effectivity of furniture carpet beetle larvae can significantly affect in
degrading LDPE plastic, data must be collected from the four set-ups. Specifically,
the four set-ups are the degradation of LDPE plastic using different amount of
furniture carpet beetle larvae and degradation of LDPE plastic using the xylene. The
graphs and data of degradation level will be obtained from the UV degradation
machine. The toxicity level will also be assessed through the data from toxicity
20
chamber. These results obtained will be compared through ANOVA or Analysis of

Variance to determine the significant differences and variations of the four set-ups.
21

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Pasay City National Science High School

2888 Vergel St. Pasay City

Degradation of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

A Research Proposal Presented to the

Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE) is mainly used in manufacturing

This study aims to utilize furniture carpet beetle larvae as an effective

Statement of the Problem

Specifically, this study will answer the following:

1. What are the characteristics of the furniture carpet beetle larvae as

Specifically, the study aims to:

1. Determine the characteristics of the furniture carpet beetle larvae in

Furniture carpet beetle larvae shows a significant effect on degrading Low-

Significance of the Study

Plastics have an important role worldwide. It is commonly used in different

Scopes and Limitations

The study focuses on the capability of furniture carpet beetle larvae as an

There are many ways on how to determine the effectiveness of webbing

Accumulation is a mass or quantity of something that has gradually gathered or been

Furniture carpet beetle larvae is a common pest of upholstered furniture that

Degradation is the process of reducing or being reduced. In this study, Low-density

Low-Density Polyethylene Plastic is the most common type of plastic. It is the

Persistent organic pollutants are organic compounds that are resistant to

Furniture Carpet Beetle Larvae (Arthenus flavipes)

Figure 1 Furniture Carpet Beetle Larvae

Furniture carpet beetle larvae are widely known as a common pest of

Symbiotic Bacterial Cells

Figure 2 Symbiotic Bacterial Cell

Xylene (CH3)2C6H4 is a solvent that is widely used in industry and medical

Low-Density Polyethylene Plastic

Figure 4 LDPE Plastic Bags

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic which are obtained from

Degradation Process of LDPE Plastic

Figure 5 Degradation Process of LDPE Plastic

Plastics can be compared to building materials, as they are used in various

Biodegradation is a chemical process in which materials are dissolved by

Figure 6 Ecotoxicity Test

Ecotoxicity test is used in order to identify the toxic compounds present in a

In addition, the evaluation of ecotoxicity of Plastic Materials ensures the

Figure 7 Biodegradation Test

The Biodegradation test will be used to compare the biodegradability of the

Therefore, it was proposed that furniture carpet beetle is a solution as an

Materials and Methods

 300 furniture carpet beetle

Degradation of LDPE Plastic

Phase 3 Ecotoxicity test

Figure 8 Schematic Diagram of the Methodology

Furniture carpet beetle larvae will be used in this study as an effective

Phase 1 – Gathering of Materials

Phase 2 – Degradation of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastic

Degradation of LDPE plastic using xylene

Phase 3 – Ecotoxicity test and Biodegradation test

To determine the toxicity , a toxicity chamber will be used. This is to determine

chamber. These results obtained will be compared through ANOVA or Analysis of

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