# Credit Card-Sized Contaminant Sensors High School Students Invented a Device for Water Pollution By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-05-21 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/water-pollution References: [fastcoexist](http://www.fastcoexist.com/3030503/this-genius-kid-has-invented-a-device-that-quickly-detects-water-contaminants) & [wecanchange](http://www.wecanchange.com/sites/wecanchange.com/files/2014winners/9_12_First_Place_2014_Winner.pdf) A high school junior who has already invented a pancreatic cancer sensor and a handheld explosives and environmental contaminants detection device developed a new sensor that deals with water pollution. Kid genius Jack Andraka along with classmate Chloe Diggs created a life-saving [microfluidic biosensor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/water-leak-sensor-1) that can quickly and cheaply [detect water contaminants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydro-hawk). The credit card-sized biosensor acts as a water filter that can detect six environmental contaminants. It only takes $1 to create and takes 20 minutes to run, rendering it significantly cheaper and more efficient than comparable water pollution-fighting sensors. Part of the project also included a water filter composed of recycled water bottles. The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge first place national winner for grades 9 to 12 recently took home a $50,000 prize. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Low-cost Biosensors for Environmental Contaminants Detection:** Disruptive innovation opportunities for companies to develop and market low-cost biosensors for water pollution that act as filters and detect multiple contaminants in a short amount of time. - **DIY Environmental Solutions:** Disruptive innovation opportunities for companies to create tools that enable individuals to create their own environmental solutions by using accessible and renewable resources. - **Youth Innovation in Science:** Disruptive innovation opportunities for companies to collaborate with young people and provide them with the necessary resources and mentorship to develop sustainable and innovative solutions for environmental challenges. ### Where This Applies - **Environmental Monitoring:** Companies in this industry can benefit from partnering with innovators to integrate low-cost biosensors for environmental contaminants detection into their existing monitoring systems. - **DIY and Sustainable Living:** Companies that promote sustainable living can benefit from partnering with innovators to bring accessible and affordable environmental solutions to the wider public. - **Science Education:** Companies in this industry can benefit from supporting youth innovation in science by providing educational resources and opportunities to young people interested in environmental science and technology. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Organic Water Quality Testers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colores-del-rio.md) - [Environment Monitor Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sense1.md) - [Cup-Style Water Quality Testers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/water-quality-tester.md) - [Sustainable At-Home Filters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-water-filters.md) - [Eco-Conscious COVID-19 Testing Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecoconscious-covid19-testing-kit.md) - [Water Quality-Monitoring Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-dispenser.md) - [Smart Water Monitors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivint-water-sensor.md) - [Portable Soil Monitors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-soil-monitor.md) - [Food Safety Tracking Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecotracker.md)