Plastic Distribution Survey: An integration of drone survey of drifted plastics on a broad area and FTIR analysis of microplastics found in sand

Plastic Distribution Survey
In recent years, drones have been a commonly used technology. We, Tokyo Kyuei, have experience in survey works using drones. On a long sandy coastline, it is difficult to survey drifted wastes. However, with a drone, we can achieve a very efficient survey of hundreds of meters in an hour. Photos taken will be combined and used to create high-density DEM data, after which the area for each material is calculated using image processing software. When necessary, using 3D data, it is possible to calculate the volume of the wastes as well. Meanwhile, microplastics are divided into sizes according to the client`s request (mostly below 5mm). After removing impurities by visual observation, spectroscopic analysis using FTIR is performed to quantify each material. Our company has experience on microplastic surveys both in sandy beaches as well as in rivers.

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