Worm saliva could hold the solution to plastic pollution

Researchers in Spain have discovered chemicals in wax worm drool that break down polyethylene - a tough and durable material.

The experts claim that one hour's exposure to the saliva degrades the plastic as much as years of weathering can.

It is hoped that the breakthrough leads to new natural approaches to deal with the problem of plastic pollution.

The team first discovered that wax worms could break down plastic in 2017, but the new study has confirmed that the key elements are the enzymes in the creature's saliva.

Dr Clemente Arias, who co-authored the study for the Spanish National Research Council, told BBC News: "What we think is the enzymes are capable of an accelerated version of the weathering of polyethylene.

"What we found was that the enzymes alone can oxidise plastic, which is the process that takes such a long time in the environment."

The experts are now aiming to develop their work by carrying out larger experiments.

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