Teen’s jute sponge removes 80% of tyre pollution, wins $75,000

An eighteen-year-old student developed a jute waste sponge for pollution control. This innovation removes a toxic tire pollutant harming salmon in waterways. The biodegradable sponge offers a sustainable and low-cost filtration alternative.

It effectively filters 6PPD-quinone and other contaminants from water. This project won a major science award for its environmental impact.