Indian-American Teen Creates Pesticide-Removal Method for Produce

Arika Kundu, an eighth grader from Minnesota, invented LIGNEX, a technique that repurposes peanut shells into a biosorbent capable of binding and removing pesticide traces from the surface of fruits and vegetables.

The process begins with collecting discarded peanut shells, which are then processed into a fine powder. This powder is mixed with water to create a solution in which produce is soaked, allowing the material to attract and trap pesticide molecules.

Kundu said she was inspired to tackle the issue after learning about the potential health risks associated with pesticide exposure on everyday foods. Her method aims to offer a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical washes.

The invention has earned recognition in youth science competitions, with Kundu presenting her findings at regional and national levels. She is currently exploring ways to scale the method for household and commercial use.

LIGNEX aligns with broader efforts to reduce agricultural chemical residues, though Kundu notes that further testing is needed to assess its effectiveness across different pesticide types and produce varieties.