Teen Inventor Creates A New Way To Fight Microplastics
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Microplastics can be found almost everywhere — in oceans, soil, food, and even the air we breathe. Because they are so tiny, removing them is incredibly difficult. Now, 18-year-old Arya Satheesh has come up with a clever way to tackle the problem. She has developed Eco Purge, a plant-based plastic that naturally decomposes while helping break down microplastics already in the environment.
The Ireland resident first became interested in microplastics in 2024, when she created a water-quality sensor for a national science competition. Her device could detect microplastics in the water. However, it could not remove them.
Determined to fix the problem, Arya began developing Eco Purge. But to make the bioplastic, she needed two natural enzymes. Arya contacted several biotechnology companies for samples. Some offered to sell them to her, but they were too expensive for the high school student.
Undeterred, the teen reached out to Professor Kevin O’Connor, a researcher at BiOrbic in Ireland. Sure enough, O’Connor was able to obtain the enzyme samples. He also helped her gain access to a laboratory at a local university, where she could develop Eco Purge.
By early 2026, Arya had her first prototype. To test it, she placed a set amount of microplastic with Eco Purge in soil, salt water, and fresh water. She observed the samples for six weeks. To her delight, at the end of the trial, both the microplastic and Eco Purge had decomposed in each sample.
Her invention earned her the European regional title at The Earth Prize in May 2026. Arya also received $12,500 in prize money and access to experts to help her develop the project further.
Arya still faces numerous challenges before Eco Purge can be widely available. The enzymes only work on certain types of plastic, and high temperatures can damage them. Producing large amounts of enzymes could also be expensive. But Arya is determined to overcome these hurdles and keep improving Eco Purge.
"Science isn't just about understanding the world," she reflects. "It's about leaving it better than we found it."
Resources: Zmescience.com, Smithsonianmag.com, theeuropean.eu
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25 Comments
- wevifigoceka8 daysyay I'm breathing in microplastics
jyzyvomurysa8 daysthat is sooooo cool she has enginuity #grlpower
amethystfromgd8 daysshe has potential if shes creating a new way to fight microplastics as a teen
hi242812348 daysWow, she is smart.
falconhepburn8 daysYeah she is.
