Towards the Spectral Mapping of Plastic Debris on Beaches

Floating and washed ashore marine plastic debris (MPD) is a growing environmental challenge. It has become evident that secluded locations including the Arctic, Antarctic, remote islands are being impacted by pollution generated thousands of kilometers away. Optical sensing MPD an emerging field can aid in monitoring environments where in-person observation data collection not always feasible. Here we evaluate spectral features visible to shortwave infrared regions for detecting varying quantities have accumulated on beaches using spectroradiometer. Measurements were taken from range situ accumulations ranging 0.08% 7.94% surface coverage. Our results suggest absorption at 1215 nm 1732 useful abundance levels complex natural environment, however other 931 nm, 1045 2046 could detect MPD. The reflectance some was statistically different samples only contained organic sand between 1.56% cover; with similar cover did containing no Despite detectable against background beach debris, clear relationship strength key be established. Additional research needed advance our understanding factors, such as type assemblage, contribute bulk contaminated landscapes.