Investigating the Backscatter of Marine Plastic Litter Using a C- and X-band Ground Radar

Remote sensing of marine plastic is a relatively new field and research into the capabilities of radar for detecting and monitoring marine plastic pollution is lacking, with several interactions and mechanisms being largely unknown. Here, we exploit the use of a C- and X-band radar to understand the capabilities of radar for detecting and monitoring marine plastics. Our results show that backscattering differences in C- and X-band between ‘clean’ water and test water filled with plastics can be detected in some conditions (based on statistical analysis). With C- and X- band detecting statistical differences in 20 / 67 and 48 / 68 cases respectively. We also find that the difference in backscattering is dependent on the size and shape of the plastic object, as well as the wave conditions in which the plastic is moving. This work provides key information on the capabilities of radar for detecting marine plastic litter and provides details which can be used for future planning in regard to tackling remote sensing of marine plastic pollution.