In a breakthrough that’s making global waves, Victoria Ou and Justin Huang, two 17-year-old high school students from Texas, have invented a low-cost device that removes up to 94% of microplastics from water—within seconds.
Using everyday materials like household tools, plastic shavings, and ultrasonic waves, the teen innovators developed their prototype entirely from scratch. Their invention earned them the $50,000 top prize at the prestigious 2024 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), where it stood out among thousands of global entries for its practicality, effectiveness, and potential for real-world impact.
“We wanted to create something simple, scalable, and accessible,” said Victoria Ou. “The microplastics problem is everywhere, and we believed there had to be a better, faster way to tackle it.”
Their device works by using ultrasonic transducers that generate high-frequency sound waves in water. These waves cause microplastic particles to clump together and separate from the water, making removal efficient and lightning-fast.
Judges praised the duo for their scientific rigor, creativity, and environmental commitment. What makes their solution even more impressive is that it was built entirely at home, with no access to advanced labs or corporate backing.
Environmental scientists have lauded the invention as a promising tool for future clean water technologies, especially in developing countries where microplastic contamination is growing and purification resources are limited.
As their innovation continues to gain traction online and in environmental circles, Victoria and Justin are already working on scaling the project and exploring partnerships to bring the device to market.
From a simple idea born in a Texas garage to an invention with world-changing potential, this teen duo is redefining what’s possible in the fight against pollution—one drop of clean water at a time.
