Young Inventors Filter Microplastics from Water

Two 17-year-olds from The Woodlands, Texas, have developed an innovative device that utilizes ultrasonic sound waves to filter microplastics from water. Their groundbreaking invention recently earned them the prestigious Gordon E. Moore Award for Positive Outcomes for Future Generations $50,000 top prize at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles. 

Victoria Ou and Justin Huang Instagram Victoria Ou and Justin Huang's invention is a device that operates by using ultrasound waves to push microplastic particles to one side of a water flow, allowing clean water to pass through while trapping the contaminants. In their tests, the system successfully captured up to 94 per cent of microplastic particles, showing promise for real-world applications.  

"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," stated Huang.   

The duo envisioned their device being used in water treatment plants, directly modifying the quality of water for daily use. This application could significantly reduce the amount of microplastics that end up in water sources, protecting ecosystems and human health.  

They also see a potential for their device to be incorporated into household laundry machines. Synthetic textile particles from laundry contribute to around 35 per cent of primary microplastics pollution. By filtering out these particles before the water is discharged, their device could prevent a substantial amount of microplastics from entering the environment. This approach tackles the problem at its source, offering a proactive solution to a pervasive issue. 

Ou and Huang, were inspired to tackle the pervasive issue of microplastic contamination after visiting a local water treatment plant. During their tour, they learned about the challenges these facilities face in removing microplastics from water sources. This experience ignited their determination to devise a solution that could enhance water purification processes and mitigate the environmental impact of microplastics. 

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in diameter, have become ubiquitous pollutants, infiltrating oceans, rivers, and even the air we breathe. Traditional filtration methods often struggle to remove these particles due to their minuscule size effectively. Ou and Huang's device addresses this challenge by employing ultrasonic sound waves to create acoustic radiation forces that repel microplastic particles, preventing them from passing through the filtration system. This method allows for efficient separation of microplastics without impeding water flow.

The duo's innovative approach has garnered significant recognition, culminating in their first-place award at ISEF. Their project, titled "Harnessing Ultrasound for Microplastic Filtration," demonstrated the potential of their device to remove microplastics from water sources effectively. Looking ahead, Ou and Huang aim to scale up their technology for implementation in water treatment plants worldwide, with the goal of reducing microplastic pollution on a global scale. 

Ou and Huang's achievement is part of a broader trend of young inventors developing novel solutions to environmental challenges. In 2019, Fionn Ferreira, an Irish teenager, won the Google Science Fair for his method of removing microplastics using a ferrofluid—a magnetic liquid that attracts plastic particles. As microplastic pollution continues to pose a significant threat to ecosystems and human health, the contributions of individuals like Ou, Huang, and Ferreira offer hope for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Sources

https://planetark.org/newsroom/news
https://isef.net/project/eaev062t-harnessing-ultrasound-for-microplastic-filtration
https://www.businessinsider.com/teens-win-fifty-thousand-for-ultrasound-microplastic-filtration-device-2024
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/teens-invent-device-that-removes-microplastics-with-ultrasound-waves-winning-50k/