Recent research has established an open-access hyperspectral reflectance database that enhances our understanding of plastic pollution in freshwater systems. Conducted at the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, this study utilized water from the Mississippi River to analyze the optical properties of both weathered and virgin plastic debris under controlled conditions.
The database includes hyperspectral measurements ranging from ultraviolet (350 nm) to shortwave infrared (2500 nm), offering insights into the spectral signatures of floating plastics. This is crucial as traditional methods for detecting plastic in aquatic environments are labor-intensive and costly.
By synchronizing a spectroradiometer with a DSLR camera, researchers accounted for various debris fractions and water flow dynamics, thereby improving the accuracy of plastic detection models. The findings are expected to advance remote sensing technologies aimed at monitoring plastic pollution and facilitate cross-disciplinary collaborations in marine science.
This initiative marks a significant step toward better understanding and mitigating plastic pollution in rivers and lakes, ultimately impacting global ocean health.