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Message in a bottle: Open source technology to track the movement of plastic pollution

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Listed:
  • Emily M Duncan
  • Alasdair Davies
  • Amy Brooks
  • Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury
  • Brendan J Godley
  • Jenna Jambeck
  • Taylor Maddalene
  • Imogen Napper
  • Sarah E Nelms
  • Craig Rackstraw
  • Heather Koldewey

Abstract

Rivers worldwide are now acting as major transport pathways for plastic pollution and discharge large quantities of waste into the ocean. Previous oceanographic modelling and current drifter data have been used to predict the movement and accumulation of plastic pollution in the marine environment, but our understanding of the transport and fate through riparian systems is still largely unknown. Here we undertook a proof of concept study by applying open source tracking technology (both GPS (Global Positing System) cellular networks and satellite technology), which have been successfully used in many animal movement studies, to track the movements of individual plastic litter items (500 ml PET (polyethylene terephthalate) drinks bottles) through the Ganges River system (known as the Ganga in India and the Padma and Meghna in Bangladesh, hereafter known as the Ganges) and the Bay of Bengal. Deployed tags were successfully tracked through the Ganges river system and into the Bay of Bengal marine system. The “bottle tags” were designed and built (e.g. shape, size, buoyancy) to replicate true movement patterns of a plastic bottle. The maximum distance tracked to date is 2845 km over a period of 94 days. We discuss lessons learnt from the development of these plastic litter tags, and outline how the potential widespread use of this open source technology has the ability to significantly increase understanding of the location of accumulation areas and the timing of large inputs of plastic pollution into the aquatic system. Furthermore, “bottle tags” may act as a powerful tool for stimulating social behaviour change, informing science-based policy, and as valuable educational outreach tools for public awareness.

Suggested Citation

  • Emily M Duncan & Alasdair Davies & Amy Brooks & Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury & Brendan J Godley & Jenna Jambeck & Taylor Maddalene & Imogen Napper & Sarah E Nelms & Craig Rackstraw & Heather Koldewey, 2020. "Message in a bottle: Open source technology to track the movement of plastic pollution," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(12), pages 1-19, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0242459
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242459
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ghulam Kibria, M. & Ahmed, K.K.U., 2005. "Diversity of selective and non-selective fishing gear and their impact on inland fisheries in Bangladesh," Naga, The WorldFish Center, vol. 28(1/2), pages 43-48.
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