Arika Kundu, 13, turns peanut shell waste into pesticide remover, competes for $25,000 prize

Arika Kundu, 13, uses peanut shells to help remove pesticide residues from produce. A 13-year-old Indian-American student from Minnesota has invented a method to reduce pesticide residues on fresh fruits and vegetables by using peanut shells, something that is usually thrown away.Arika Kundu, a seventh-grade student at Minnetonka Middle School East in Shorewood, Minnesota, developed the method. Her project is called 'LIGNEX - A novel biosorption based approach that uses agricultural waste material to eliminate pesticide residues from fresh produce'.The project has also earned her a place among the 10 finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge. The national competition recognises middle school students aged 11 to 14 who develop science-based solutions for real-world problems.As a finalist, Arika will now work with a 3M scientist over the summer before competing in the final round in October, where she will have the chance to win the $25,000 grand prize and the title 'America's Top Young Scientist'.Idea of using peanut shells Fruits and vegetables can carry pesticide residues on their surface after they are harvested. Washing produce helps remove dirt and some chemicals, but ...