Welcome to the Evolving Man Project’s “Evolved Young People of the Week “profiles. Each week, we will highlight an individual who embodies what it means to be an evolved person, famous and non-famous alike. The world needs to know their stories and deeds. This week’s honor goes to the two Texas teens, Justin Huang and Victoria Ou.
A pair of high schoolers invented a unique water filtration device that uses a wall of sound to hold back microplastic particles from running water. During lab tests, the high-frequency sound waves eliminated 84% to 94% of the suspended microplastic particles in one go. Using the reward money from a renowned prize enables them to scale up their invention.
Microplastic particles are widespread on Earth, present in the jetstream, reaching the summit of Everest, and even found in the deepest ocean areas. Once they enter the human body, researchers have observed their presence in all organs studied thus far.
Microplastics are minuscule plastic particles formed by the degradation of larger plastics or intentionally produced as microbeads for various applications. They remain in the environment for an extended period and build up in water and food sources. At the same time, scientists continue to study their impact on human health.
Addressing this pan contaminant is a huge undertaking. Despite the challenge, Justin Huang and Victoria Ou, high schoolers from Woodlands, Texas, may have a clever solution. The teenagers have achieved a remarkable 94% capture rate of microplastic pollutants by directing them away from the water’s discharge point using ultrasonic sound waves. Their device is not larger than a pen. It enhances previous designs attempting to use ultrasonic waves for microplastic removal in wastewater and drinking water.
Ou and Huang presented their work at the Los Angeles Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in August 2024. During the fair, they won the $50,000 Gordon E. Moore Award for Positive Outcomes for Future Generations and first place in their Google-sponsored category, Earth and Environmental Sciences.
In his own words, teen Justin Huang discusses on improving upon his and his classmate’s most recent invention.
“This is the first year we’ve done this…backstage after receiving their award. “If we could refine this—maybe use more professional equipment, maybe go to a lab instead of testing from our home—we could really improve our device and get it ready for large-scale manufacturing.”
We at the Evolving Man Project send our well wishes to both teens as they continue to make impactful discoveries, proving that age is not a barrier to making a difference in the world. Today, we honor Justin Huang and Victoria Ou as our Evolved “Young People” of the Week.
Evolving Folks Project 