Ship-based visual observation underestimates plastic debris in marine surface water SCIE SCOPUS

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Title
Ship-based visual observation underestimates plastic debris in marine surface water
Author(s)
Jang, Yu Lee; Eo, Soeun; Han, Gi Myung; Ha, Sung Yong; Hong, Sang Hee; Shim, Won Joon
KIOST Author(s)
Jang, Yu Lee(장유리)Eo, Soeun(어소은)Han, Gi Myung(한기명)Ha, Sung Yong(하성용)Hong, Sang Hee(홍상희)Shim, Won Joon(심원준)
Alternative Author(s)
장유리; 어소은; 한기명; 하성용; 홍상희; 심원준
Publication Year
2024-12
Abstract
Visual observation surveys from ships are commonly used for monitoring floating marine debris, but their detection performance has not yet been fully verified. Here, simultaneous visual observation surveys and surface trawling were conducted in three coastal areas of South Korea, each with distinct characteristics. The extent of floating debris missed by visual observations was assessed, and the characteristics of overlooked debris were identified. The mean density of floating debris observed visually was five-fold lower than that obtained from surface trawling. Loss of buoyancy and transparent colour of debris were identified as major factors contributing to the significant difference in density between the two survey methods. Our findings suggest that visual observation can underestimate the density of floating debris, especially in areas with abundant plastic bags and sheets. Supplementary methods such as surface trawls with macro-sized mesh are recommended to accurately assess the level of contamination from floating debris. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd
ISSN
0025-326X
URI
https://sciwatch.kiost.ac.kr/handle/2020.kiost/46292
DOI
10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117245
Bibliographic Citation
Marine Pollution Bulletin, v.209, 2024
Publisher
Pergamon Press Ltd.
Keywords
Plastic packaging; Surface trawling; Visual observation; Floating debris; Macroplastics; Marine pollution
Type
Article
Language
English
Document Type
Article
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