Indian-American Teen Creates Pesticide-Removal Method for Produce

Arika Kundu, an eighth-grader from Minnesota, developed LIGNEX, a biosorption technique that repurposes peanut shell waste into a material capable of capturing pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables. The process converts the shells into a fine powder that binds with contaminants when applied as a rinse or soak.

Kundu, who attends a middle school in the Minneapolis area, began the project after learning about the health risks associated with pesticide exposure. She experimented with different food wastes before settling on peanut shells, which are abundant and often discarded by the food industry.

In laboratory tests, LIGNEX removed up to 99% of common pesticides from produce samples, including apples and tomatoes. The method is biodegradable, cost-effective, and does not require specialized equipment, making it accessible for household use.

Kundu presented her invention at regional science fairs and has filed a provisional patent application. She hopes to refine the product and eventually partner with grocery stores to offer it as an affordable consumer solution.

Her work has earned recognition from local STEM organizations, and she plans to continue researching sustainable ways to address food safety and environmental waste.