Meet the Indian teens who won the Earth Prize 2026 for tackling microplastic pollution

A visit to a rural community and witnessing the plight of people struggling for access to clean water inspired three 16-year-olds to come up with their innovative idea, 'Plas-Stick'.

Much so, their innovative idea helped them win The Earth Prize 2026. Vivaan Chhawchharia, Ariana Agarwal, and Avyana Mehta were named winners for their invention, 'Plas-Stick', a biodegradable material designed to remove microplastics from water.

Together, the Indian trio has managed to develop a sustainable solution to tackle one of the world's most pressing environmental challenges—microplastic pollution in water.

The inspiration behind the innovative idea came from the students' observations during visits to rural communities, where many families rely on stored water and lack access to advanced filtration systems. Concerned about the growing threat of microplastics in drinking water, the teenagers sought to create a solution that would be affordable, accessible, and environmentally friendly.

What is 'Plas-Stick'?

Discarded tamarind seeds are processed into a biodegradable powder that attracts and binds microplastic particles present in water. Once the particles form larger clumps, they can be easily removed using a handheld magnet, eliminating the need for expensive filtration systems or electricity.

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati researchers helped the trio during project development. As the Asia regional winners of The Earth Prize, the students received a grant of $12,500 to further develop and scale their solution.

How do microplastics affect us?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles measuring less than five millimeters in size. They originate from the breakdown of larger plastic items, synthetic clothing fibers, vehicle tires, and various consumer products.

Studies have detected microplastics in human blood, lungs, placentas, and other tissues. While scientists are still researching their long-term effects, evidence suggests that these particles may pose significant health risks.

Researchers believe that prolonged exposure could potentially affect the immune system, disrupt hormone functions, and contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory problems. As these particles move through the food chain, they eventually reach humans through seafood and other food sources.