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Step School in Noida, have developed a low-cost water filtration system designed to remove microplastics and PFAS, harmful substances often known as forever chemicals because they can remain in the environment and human body for years.Read more: Anand Mahindra fascinated by this Indian city where people can drink water straight from tapThe sisters were inspired to act after learning about declining groundwater quality and increasing contamination in water sources. Speaking to TOI, Nayantara said, When we came across a Delhi govt study highlighting groundwater depletion across all districts of the city, we felt it was a problem that deserved action. What began as an idea during Class XI eventually evolved into a year-long research project.What is Aqua Sattva and how does it work?The twins developed Aqua Sattva, a plant-based filtration system under their student startup, Hydra Nova. The innovation uses a combination of okra-fenugreek polymer and rice husk biochar packed into easy-to-use sachets that resemble tea bags. 131626999Unlike expensive water purification systems, Aqua Sattva requires no electricity, plumbing, maintenance or technical expertise. The biodegradable sachets are made entirely from plant-derived materials and agricultural waste, making them environmentally friendly as well.According to the students, the goal was to create a practical solution that could be used by ordinary households without significant costs or infrastructure requirements.A low-cost alternative to expensive water purifiersOne of the biggest advantages of Aqua Sattva is affordability. The filtration sachets are expected to cost around Rs 100 for a pack of 10, making them significantly cheaper than conventional reverse osmosis (RO) systems, which can cost between Rs 10,000 and Rs 30,000.Explaining the motivation behind the project, Nayantara told TOI, Most effective solutions rely on RO systems, which are expensive, require electricity and also waste significant amounts of water. We wanted to develop something that could work for ordinary households. The objective was to make safe drinking water more accessible and affordable. The sisters have also applied for a patent and are awaiting approval.Scientific research balanced with school lifeDeveloping the filtration system was not easy. Alongside preparing for school examinations and managing academic responsibilities, the sisters spent months conducting research and testing.Speaking to TOI, they said, We couldn't neglect our studies, so it was a constant exercise in balancing school and research. The twins regularly travelled to laboratories several times a week and even used their winter holidays to continue working on the project. Whenever one sister was busy with studies, the other would ensure the research stayed on track.The prototype was developed and tested at the biomass laboratory of IIT Delhi under the guidance of professor Vivek Kumar.National recognition for a solution to a growing problemIndependent laboratory tests showed impressive results. According to the findings, Aqua Sattva achieved up to 93 per cent removal efficiency across 20 different PFAS compounds after basic filtration. Additional testing also indicated a significant reduction in microplastic density in treated water samples.The science behind the innovation relies on natural processes. Polysaccharides found in okra and fenugreek help trap microplastic particles, while rice husk biochar adsorbs PFAS compounds from water. Interestingly, rice husk is an agricultural residue that is often burned in fields, making the solution both sustainable and resource-efficient.Their work has already gained national and international attention. Last month, the sisters were named Water Champions 2026 at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize India competition and secured third place among more than 350 teams at the national finals held at IIT Madras. They have also earned a distinction at the Conrad Challenge, a global entrepreneurship and innovation competition.As concerns over water pollution continue to rise, the achievements of Naina and Nayantara demonstrate how young innovators can develop practical solutions to real-world challenges. Their journey shows that curiosity, persistence and scientific thinking can sometimes lead to breakthroughs with the potential to make safe drinking water more accessible for millions.Inputs from TOI