This High Schooler Invented a Plant-Based Plastic That Removes Microplastics From the Environment as It Biodegrades

An 18-year-old Irish student named Arya Satheesh has developed a plant-based, biodegradable plastic called Eco Purge that tackles microplastics in the environment. Microplastics, which are smaller than 5 millimeters in size, are a growing concern due to their infiltration in the environment and human bodies. Currently, only 9 percent of the 507 million tons of plastic produced annually gets recycled, and the low cost of plastic makes it a more appealing choice for many people.

Satheesh's Eco Purge is designed to degrade within two weeks, releasing enzymes into the environment that break down existing microplastics in soil and water. This Irish teenager won the European category of the 2026 Earth Prize, which motivates young students to create eco-solutions with mentorship and learning resources. She received $12,500 to further develop her prototype.

Eco Purge has proven effective in degrading plastic in soil, salt water, and fresh water environments after six weeks of exposure. Satheesh's journey with science competitions has helped her innovate and find a solution to plastic pollution. She believes that microplastics function like toxic sponges in ecosystems, absorbing heavy metals and synthetic chemicals. Once ingested by wildlife or humans, they cause inflammation, disrupt digestive systems, and release chemical additives into biological tissues.

While numerous biodegradable plastics exist, they often come with a high price tag due to the expensive enzymes required to break down other plastics. However, Satheesh’s Eco Purge offers a cost-effective solution through a biotechnological method that makes it accessible and scalable. The young inventor continues to refine and improve her invention, determined to create a practical, market-ready product that can support the transition to a more sustainable future.