Arika Kundu, a 13-year-old student from Minnetonka Middle School East, Minnesota, has gained international recognition for creating LIGNEX, an eco-friendly solution that uses discarded peanut shells to reduce pesticide residue on fruits and vegetables. Her innovation is based on biosorption, a process in which treated peanut shell powder naturally absorbs harmful contaminants. To improve its effectiveness, she treated the peanut shell powder with acetic acid and packaged it into easy-to-use effervescent tablets. Laboratory testing using a model contaminant showed the system removed nearly 94% of the substance, highlighting its potential for safer food and sustainable waste management. Her project has earned her a place among the Top 10 finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, where she will work with expert mentors to further develop her invention.
Arika Kundu: 13-Year-Old Invents Peanut Shell Solution to Remove Pesticide Residue
