How NASA Is Homing in From Space on Ocean Debris

Litter Library: A New Tool for Tracking Ocean Debris

In a groundbreaking effort to combat the scourge of ocean pollution, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has developed a comprehensive reference library containing nearly 25,000 molecular "fingerprints" from various types of marine debris. This innovative tool, led by NASA intern Ashley Ohall, aims to standardize the detection of plastic and other flotsam in our waters.

Planet-Scale Challenge

The problem of ocean pollution is a daunting one. An estimated 8 million tons or more of plastic enter the ocean every year, with most of it coming from land. Conventional methods for quantifying plastic in the ocean, such as dragging nets through garbage patches, cannot sample the millions of tons that flow in. With NASA's support, scientists are learning more about the ability of existing sensors as well as what's still needed to spot marine debris.

Media Contacts

Andrew Wang / Andrew Good Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. 626-379-6874 / 818-393-2433 [email protected] / [email protected]

The Litter Library

The newly published reference library is a culmination of the work of many researchers over the years who've analyzed marine debris using handheld instruments in laboratories. Standardizing the various datasets into one searchable repository is crucial because different kinds of debris have slightly different spectra based on material, color, and condition. Weathered water bottles, for example, "look" different than washed-up hurricane detritus. Once the patterns are known, detection algorithms can be developed.

Carried by Ocean Currents

Debris can travel thousands of miles from the source, so a better understanding of where it is and where it's headed could be a boon for public health and coastal tourism. Ohall, a Florida native who recently graduated from the University of Georgia, hopes that people will see remote sensing as an important and useful tool for marine debris monitoring.

Litter Library's Impact

The Litter Library has the potential to revolutionize the way we detect and track ocean pollution. By providing a standardized reference library, scientists can develop more accurate detection algorithms and improve the effectiveness of existing sensors. This, in turn, can help to reduce the amount of plastic and other debris that enters our oceans and harms marine life.

Why This Matters

The impact of ocean pollution is far-reaching and devastating. Marine debris can harm sea creatures, contaminate food chains, and even affect human health. By developing a more effective tool for detecting and tracking ocean pollution, we can take a crucial step towards mitigating this problem and protecting our oceans for future generations.

EMIT: A Powerful Tool for Monitoring Ocean Pollution

NASA's Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) sensor is a powerful tool for monitoring ocean pollution. Launched in 2022, EMIT maps minerals across desert regions to help determine how the dust can heat or cool the atmosphere. However, its technology has also shown that it can find plastic compounds in landfills and large-scale structures like greenhouses.

Conclusion

The Litter Library is a groundbreaking tool that has the potential to revolutionize the way we detect and track ocean pollution. By providing a standardized reference library, scientists can develop more accurate detection algorithms and improve the effectiveness of existing sensors. This, in turn, can help to reduce the amount of plastic and other debris that enters our oceans and harms marine life. As we continue to develop and refine this tool, we can take a crucial step towards mitigating the problem of ocean pollution and protecting our oceans for future generations.

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Source: https://www.nasa.gov/earth/how-nasa-is-homing-in-from-space-on-ocean-debris/