PhD: Surveying the marine environment for microplastics using a novel hyper-spectral infra-red camera on a UAV
Lead Research Organisation:
University of the Highlands and Islands
Department Name: Scottish Assoc for Marine Science UHI
Abstract
Pollution from land-derived macro- and micro- plastics is accumulating in the oceans; there is growing
concern as these pollutants enter the oceanic and human food chain. The scale of the problem is only now
being revealed, because the substances are difficult to detect with standard remote sensing technique
(visible or radar wavelength: from ships or satellite). Most plastics have a well-known spectral signature,
however, in the mid-range Infra-red that is, wave lengths of 2.5um to 22um (4000 - 450cm-1). Commercial
mid-IR spectrometers (not cameras) can detected and identified samples of plastics quite simply in the
laboratory.
The student will work with Dr. Hugh Mortimer at Rutherford Appleton Laboratories to modify
a mid-range Infra-Red (mid-IR) hyper-spectral camera that he has developed. This camera takes multiple
images of the surface, with each image in a separate wave-band in the mid-IR. Some of these bands 'see'
plastics whilst others don't, but by combining and comparing different bands, plastics can be detected
against a back-ground of water, rocks or sand.
concern as these pollutants enter the oceanic and human food chain. The scale of the problem is only now
being revealed, because the substances are difficult to detect with standard remote sensing technique
(visible or radar wavelength: from ships or satellite). Most plastics have a well-known spectral signature,
however, in the mid-range Infra-red that is, wave lengths of 2.5um to 22um (4000 - 450cm-1). Commercial
mid-IR spectrometers (not cameras) can detected and identified samples of plastics quite simply in the
laboratory.
The student will work with Dr. Hugh Mortimer at Rutherford Appleton Laboratories to modify
a mid-range Infra-Red (mid-IR) hyper-spectral camera that he has developed. This camera takes multiple
images of the surface, with each image in a separate wave-band in the mid-IR. Some of these bands 'see'
plastics whilst others don't, but by combining and comparing different bands, plastics can be detected
against a back-ground of water, rocks or sand.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Finlo Cottier (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Jennifer Cocking (Student) |
Publications
Cocking J
(2022)
Aerial detection of beached marine plastic using a novel, hyperspectral short-wave infrared (SWIR) camera
in ICES Journal of Marine Science
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NE/R012156/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2022 | |||
| 1971900 | Studentship | NE/R012156/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2021 | Jennifer Cocking |
| NE/W502352/1 | 01/04/2021 | 31/03/2022 | |||
| 1971900 | Studentship | NE/W502352/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2021 | Jennifer Cocking |
| Description | Public outreach event (Oban) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The NERC Future of Our Seas Public Engagement programme included a training component (3 days) and public outreach events (2 days). Programme participants (postraduate students and professionals) learned about the science of human psychology, why individuals develop and hold particular values based on their experiences and current situation, and how to appeal to a wide range of these values when communicating information. This course emphasised the importance and usefulness of varied media to engage senses other than sight and hearing to create memorable and positive interactions. Participants paired up and also joined with a community member (business, organization, etc) to design and deliver interactive displays and activities concerning issues in the marine environment for the public in Oban Square, during West Highland Yachting Week. Engaging with members of the public in this way piqued curiosity and inspired questions among children and adults, alike, as well as provoking self-reflection regarding sustainable behaviours and decisions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://futureofourseas.wordpress.com/ |