Treasure Forever | UGC

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[Shining Science @ShiningScience]

A high school student discovered fungi in coconut husks eats plastic and sunscreen, offering a natural solution to persistent ocean pollution.

Vera Wang, a senior at Hawaii's Kaiser High School, has won top honors at the 2026 Hawaiʻi State Science & Engineering Fair for her pioneering research into eco-friendly pollutant disposal.

Conducted at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's Pacific Biosciences Research Center, Wang's study investigated how to break down the microplastics and chemical sunscreens she had previously filtered from ocean water using a custom-made, Polynesian-inspired coconut fiber filter.

Realizing that physical capture was only half the battle, Wang focused her efforts on the rich microbial environments fostered within the porous structure of coconut husks.

Working alongside graduate mentor Kaylee Christensen in Dr. Anthony Amend's lab, Wang discovered that fungi naturally residing on coconut husks are capable of biodegrading both synthetic plastics and chemical sunscreens. The research team identified that naturally occurring tannin compounds in the fibers might stimulate the growth of these complex, pollutant-degrading organisms. Intriguingly, genetic testing of the fungi revealed species that did not match any entry in the world's largest genomic database, suggesting the discovery of entirely new, uncharacterized species. Wang's groundbreaking work not only earned her multiple prestigious awards but also secured her a spot at the International Science & Engineering Fair.

source: University of Hawaiʻi News. (2026, May 11). Fungi found on coconut husks can decompose plastic, sunscreen. UH News.

[Treasure Forever | UGC @TreasureForevvv]

@HwnElectric May you please give more updates about when power is estimated to come back on in different areas

[Treasure Forever | UGC @TreasureForevvv]

@m88704 @NatalyaOba You should just move away instead

[Treasure Forever | UGC @TreasureForevvv]

@NatalyaOba That’s what most people do! With all due respect, this sounds crazy for you to be bothered with like Karen kook crazy u gotta be joking

[Treasure Forever | UGC @TreasureForevvv]

@Dearme2_ We need to be grateful even through hard times

[Treasure Forever | UGC @TreasureForevvv]

@wellnessboxco Aloha I am a ugc creator from Hawai’i and my passion is to talk an out water and raise awareness about the health of water. I would love to work with you on this project 🙏🏽💧 [email protected]