01/29/2026
Sound Science ✅
Two teenagers from The Woodlands, Texas, Victoria Ou and Justin Huang, have made a breakthrough in tackling microplastic pollution with their innovative ultrasonic filtration device. Both 17 years old, the duo won $50,000 at the 2024 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) for their invention, which uses sound waves to remove microscopic plastic particles from water. Their device has the potential to help address one of the most pervasive environmental challenges today, as microplastics are now found in oceans, rivers, drinking water, and even the air we breathe. Studies estimate that humans ingest or inhale the equivalent of a credit card’s worth of plastic every week, which can accumulate in the body over time.
Victoria and Justin’s invention works using ultrasonic, or high-frequency, sound waves. The device is compact, about the size of a pen, and features a long tube equipped with electric transducers arranged in two stations. As water passes through, the ultrasound waves create pressure that pushes microplastics aside while allowing clean water to flow through. Tested on common microplastics such as polyurethane, polystyrene, and polyethylene, the device successfully removes 84% to 94% of the particles in a single pass. The method is environmentally friendly and avoids the chemical or clogging problems associated with other filtration techniques, such as using chemical coagulants or traditional filters.
The idea for the device came after the teens visited a water treatment plant to learn about existing methods for removing microplastics. They discovered that current facilities do not specifically filter these tiny pollutants, as the EPA does not regulate them, and available chemical or biological solutions are often inefficient or harmful. Motivated to create a more effective, safe, and affordable solution, the two friends combined their interest in science and environmental conservation to design the ultrasonic system.
While the technology is still in its early stages, Victoria and Justin hope to refine it for large-scale use in wastewater treatment plants, industrial facilities, rural water systems, and even smaller applications like laundry machines and aquariums. Their approach is simpler and more efficient than previous studies, which required more steps and infrastructure to separate microplastics. With further development and investment, their device could significantly reduce microplastic pollution in water and improve environmental and human health worldwide.
Victoria Ou and Justin Huang’s invention demonstrates the power of curiosity, creativity, and youthful determination in addressing global environmental challenges. Their work highlights how innovative science can offer practical, scalable solutions to pressing issues.
