New satellite tool spots plastic waste on beaches to boost clean-up efforts

Australian researchers at RMIT University have developed the Beached Plastic Debris Index (BPDI), a new satellite-based tool to detect plastic waste on beaches. Published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, this method uses high-resolution images from the WorldView-3 satellite to distinguish plastic from natural beach elements by analyzing light reflection. BPDI outperformed existing indices in detecting plastic, even in challenging conditions. Lead researcher Jenna Guffogg highlighted the threat of plastic to wildlife, especially on remote beaches. This innovation could help track and manage plastic pollution, addressing the rising environmental threat posed by plastics worldwide.

Credit : CGTN