<
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/this-high-schooler-invented-a-plant-based-plastic-that-removes-microplastics-from-the-environment-as-it-biodegrades-180989254/>
"Arya Satheesh, an 18-year-old student from Letterkenny in County Donegal,
Ireland, has spent the past couple of years studying microplastics. The spread
of these plastic fragments measuring less than five millimeters (1/5 inch) in
size is a growing concern worldwide, as they infiltrate the environment as well
as humans and animals.
The young scientist researched plastic pollution and the challenges of
detecting microplastics in drinking water. She recalls finding a disturbing
statistic: Only 9 percent of the 507 million tons of plastic produced every
year gets recycled.
“I wanted to find a solution,” Satheesh says. “I thought there’s no point in
saying, ‘Oh, recycle, recycle.’”
While some individuals willingly limit their plastic use and recycle, research
into behavioral patterns shows that others don’t make the effort or simply do
not care. Moreover, the fact that plastic is cheaper than most other materials
available in the market makes it an easier choice for the larger population.
To address the problem, Satheesh invented Eco Purge, a plant-based,
biodegradable plastic. Once disposed of, the plastic takes up to two weeks to
degrade and release enzymes into the environment that break down existing
microplastics in the surrounding soil and water.
Eco Purge won the European category of the 2026 Earth Prize, the largest
environmental competition in the world for young students. The competition
inspires students to develop eco-solutions for real-world impact, and it
supports them with mentorship and learning resources. Satheesh was awarded
$12,500 to continue to develop her prototype."
Via Muse.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
