Plas-Stick is a low-cost, biodegradable material designed to remove microplastics from drinking water. Made from discarded tamarind seeds and magnetic nanoparticles, it binds tiny plastic particles into visible clumps that can be pulled from the water with a simple magnet. The process requires neither electricity nor complex filtration infrastructure, making it particularly useful in rural and water-stressed settings. By turning food waste into a water-treatment material, the project connects two forms of pollution within a single circular system while working toward cleaner drinking water for students and families.

Ariana Agarwal co-founded Plas-Stick and leads finance, outreach and communications while contributing to the project’s ongoing research, testing and product development. Co-founder Vivaan Chhawchharia leads scientific and technical work.