New Method Monitors Plastic Debris in Rivers and Lakes

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University of Minnesota researchers have developed a method for monitoring plastic debris in freshwater environments using remote sensing, addressing a critical gap in environmental monitoring capabilities, the study says.

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The research published in Nature presents a cost-effective approach to tracking plastic pollution in rivers and lakes.

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The team combined spectroradiometer technology with DSLR cameras to identify plastic debris.

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Testing conducted at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory on the Mississippi River demonstrated the technology's effectiveness under real-world conditions.

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This new technique identifies plastic from natural materials by examining specific wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum.

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The technology needs more testing and development to extend its applicability across different environmental conditions.

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The United Nations Environment Programme lists plastic pollution as a leading environmental challenge.

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Recent data from the International Science Council emphasizes that standardized monitoring protocols and reporting systems should be in place for tracking plastic pollution on a global scale.

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The research team plans to continue this work on a larger scale to gain a better understanding of where plastic debris comes from and how it moves across river systems.

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