Recent studies have shown that remote sensing of floating marine plastic litter is feasible using uncrewed aerial systems, aircraft and satellites. However, in the infrared spectrum, water is a strong light absorber which makes the spectral detection and discrimination of plastics challenging. Additionally, marine plastic litter is often covered with living organisms and it is unclear what impact different thicknesses of this ‘biofouling’ may have on the spectral reflectance of floating plastic.

In this project, The Ocean Cleanup further explored the relationship between depth of submersion, biofouling layer thickness and magnitude/shape of plastic’s inherent spectral reflectance. The findings of the experiment will be assimilated into radiative transfer models to advance scientific knowledge relevant to the remote sensing of marine plastic litter. Find out more here.

The project was funded through the Discovery element of ESA’s Basic Activities. It was selected through an Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP) call for ideas on remote sensing of plastic marine litter.

Access the other Final presentations of ESA Discovery element activities videos.