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Project

RS_of_plastic_WB3

Artificial intelligence records plastic pollution of rivers in the Philippines

Artificial intelligence records plastic pollution of rivers in the Philippines

  • Duration:

The Philippines has the third highest rate of incorrectly disposed plastic waste in the world. The greater Manila area is severely affected by the increased risk of flooding and the accumulation of waste in sewers and waterways. The volume of waste will double in the next ten years. The Bay of Manila is already considered as one of the most polluted bays in the world. Single-use consumer product packaging is the biggest problem here. The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) together with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DENR) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have committed to rehabilitate the Pasig River in terms of biological water quality and to reduce the impact of plastic waste from households close to the riverbank. Local companies collect images and data at selected locations based on multispectral sensor technology.

The DFKI research group “Marine Perception” was commissioned to carry out the evaluation of the entire data analysis in order to assess the quantities, types and locations of plastic waste and, in addition, to provide local companies with technical advice and training in the implementation. Subsequently, a concept for the long-term monitoring of plastic leaks in waterways will be developed, based on an automated software detection of plastic waste and meeting the technical requirements and guidelines for the implementation of monitoring of plastic waste. This concept should enable the government to develop permanent monitoring systems and to monitor the impact of all measures taken on the reduction of plastic leaks.