New algorithm enables satellites to detect plastic pollution on beaches from space

A new algorithm developed by researchers at RMIT can now detect plastic pollution on beaches using satellite imagery. This tool, called the Beached Plastic Debris Index, identifies plastic waste by analyzing light reflection differences between sand, plastic, and water. Previously, satellites struggled to spot plastic against sandy backgrounds. The algorithm was tested in Gippsland, where scientists arranged plastic trash in precise squares. The test confirmed the algorithm's effectiveness in identifying pollution smaller than the satellite's pixel size. With millions of tons of plastic entering oceans annually, this tool aims to assist global clean-up efforts. Researchers hope others will expand on this work to cover larger areas and identify smaller waste from space.