Sentinel-2 Detection of Floating Marine Litter Targets with Partial Spectral Unmixing and Spectral Comparison with Other Floating Materials (Plastic Litter Project 2021)

Large-area, artificial floating marine litter (FML) targets were deployed during a controlled field experiment and data acquisition campaign: the Plastic Litter Project 2021. A set of 22 Sentinel-2 images, along with UAS ancillary measurements acquired. Spectral analysis FML natural debris (wooden planks) was performed, spectral comparison separability between other materials such as mucilage pollen. The effects biofouling submersion on signal also investigated under realistic conditions. Detection is performed through partial unmixing methodology. Floating substances pollen exhibit similar characteristics to FML, are difficult differentiate. Biofouling shown affect magnitude shape mainly in RGB bands, less significant effect infrared part spectrum. Submersion affects throughout range satellite, most NIR detection can be successfully methodology for concentrations abundance fractions 20%, reasonable