OUR PRODUCT
Aqua Sattva is a water filtration solution that removes microplastics & PFAS from drinking water. It uses a sustainable, dual-material system made from okra - fenugreek polymer and rice husk biochar.
It is available in a range of filter variants to meet different household needs. These include cartridges and diffusers in different sizes, designed for easy integration into various drinking water containers
Prototypes were developed and tested in a laboratory at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.
Improved Health and Wellbeing
Microplastics and PFAS have been associated in scientific studies with long-term health concerns, including cardiovascular and reproductive issues. Our product helps reduce everyday exposure to these contaminants, and supports improved long-term health outcomes.
Plant-Based Flocculation Technology Removes Microplastics
Uses okra and fenugreek-derived natural polymers that have been proven to remove 80-90% of microplastics from water Rice Husk Biochar Removes PFAS
Rice Husk Biochar Removes PFAs
It has been proved to remove 95% of PFAS from water. Agricultural waste can be used as raw material for the biochar, thereby making it a sustainable solution.
Ease of Use
The product can fit several point-of-use (POU) systems. The ‘teabag’ sachet can be immersed in bottles, glasses, or jugs. This makes the product ideal for homes, schools, and rural areas.
No Water Wastage
Unlike RO systems, Aqua Sattva does not waste water while being utilised. This makes the product suitable for water-scarce regions.
Affordable & Locally Sourced Materials
Aqua Sattva is made from affordable and widely available materials like okra, fenugreek and rice husk. This makes the product affordable and accessible to all economic classes.
Dual Filtration Technology
Aqua Sattva works through a dual-filtration system, where okra-fenugreek polymers bind and remove microplastics, while rice husk biochar reduces PFAS. Together, these stages provide broader protection than single-material filters.
HOW THE FILTRATION WORKS
This section breaks down the science behind our product and explains, step by step, how natural materials help remove microplastics and PFAS from water.
The Mechanism of Flocculation
The product works due to a mechanism called flocculation. Flocculation is a process in which tiny suspended particles in a liquid clump together to form larger, heavier clumps called flocs.
Removal of Contaminants
Okra, fenugreek and biochar are natural flocculants, which means they cause the microplastics and PFAS to form clumps and attach to the teabag sachets. When the sachets are removed, the contaminants are removed from the water with it.
Consumer Instructions
To facilitate this process, consumers must place the teabag sachets in their water vessel for 30 minutes, to allow flocculation and removal to occur. After the teabag is removed, the water is contaminant-free and ready to consume.
THE BENEFITS
This section highlights the three core advantages of our product: sustainable, accessible, and affordable.
Sustainable
Aqua Sattva operates without water wastage and uses minimal materials, reducing environmental impact compared to conventional purification systems. Further, it upcycles paddy waste and uses biodegradable materials in its production process.
Accessible
Aqua Sattva requires no plumbing or technical installation, making it easy to use in households, institutions and under-resourced areas. It also does not require electricity, which is beneficial for off-grid communities.
Affordable
Priced at Rs.100 for a pack of ten sachets, Aqua Sattva offers a cost-effective solution for safe drinking water that’s free of invisible contaminants.
Our Story
As twin sisters, we’ve always worked closely together, driven by a shared curiosity for science and problem-solving. As we learned more about microplastics and PFAS, we began noticing how common plastic pollution and unsafe drinking water were in our own surroundings, and knew we had to act on this problem. After conducting secondary research, we worked in a laboratory at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi to design, test and develop prototypes to remove microplastics and PFAS from water.
Our Vision
Our vision is to build Hydra Nova into a prominent water safety brand that delivers affordable, sustainable solutions for emerging water contaminants, expanding through a portfolio of products and partnerships across households, institutions, and impact-driven markets.
MEET THE TEAM
We are Naina and Nayantara Singh, two high school students from Delhi, India, who are passionate about applying science and technology to solve real-world problems and improve people’s lives. With our product, Aqua Sattva, we want to remove invisible threats from everyone’s drinking water sustainably and affordably!
Naina Singh
Naina has a deep passion for technology, innovation and environmental science. She brings experience in prior innovation projects, proficiency in coding languages including HTML, CSS, Java and Python as well as video editing skills. She led the prototyping, website development and multimedia aspects of this project. Her curiosity surrounding the intersection of technology and sustainability drives her to create science-backed solutions that are accessible to underserved communities.
Nayantara Singh
Nayantara has a deep interest in biology, with laboratory experience including polymerisation experiments. She brings experience in graphic design, technical drawing and experimental planning. For this project, she was responsible for diagrams, experimental design and branding. Together, both researchers bring complementary skill sets that allow them to develop Aqua Sattva from a concept into a validated prototype. The shared goal is to harness the power of science to support Indian communities, and Aqua Sattva represents a meaningful step towards this vision.
AWARDS and RECOGNITIONS
At Hydra Nova, we are driven by one goal - making clean water accessible to all. Along the way, our work has earned recognition at national and international levels, validating what we've always believed, that young people, with the right idea and determination, can make a real difference.
Conrad Challenge
Awarded a Conrad Innovator Distinction
Stockholm Junior Water Prize
Recieved India's Water Champion Award. Ranked third among the Top 5 National Winners (out of 350 teams)
Media Recognition
Recieved media coverage in the print edition of The Times of India, and digital editions of The Economics Times, Navbharat Times and News 18
FAQ
Got questions? We’ve got answers. If you have some other questions, feel free to send us an email to hydranova.admn@gmail.com
Does Aqua Sattva Change The Taste, Colour, or Smell of Water?
Aqua Sattva is designed to minimise changes to the taste, colour, and smell of water. Any slight variation may depend on the original water quality and dissolved substances present.
Can Aqua Sattva Be Used With Any Type of Water Source?
Aqua Sattva is intended for use with clear drinking water sources such as tap water, borewell water, or stored water. It is not designed to treat heavily turbid or visibly contaminated water.
How Should the Sachets be Stored Before Use?
The sachets should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight, until use.
JOIN THE WAITING LIST
Join our waiting list to get notified as soon as we launch Aqua Sattva, and receive updates on product availability, pilot programs, and early access opportunities.