An innovative AI-powered solution just launched to address one of the most urgent environmental crises — plastic waste choking our rivers and streams. The system, created by a research group, aims to combat plastic waste. It further combines state of the art technologies such as template matching, YOLOv8 and Deep SORT for automatic detection and tracking. This commitment complements other global efforts, including the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision. It works to stop further marine plastic pollution by 2050.
The AI system is designed to record video 24/7. It’s using these sophisticated aerial recordings to understand how plastics flow through these dynamic river environments. Through the use of these technologies, the system tracks and sorts plastic items. YOLOv8 is an integral part of detecting and identifying these plastic objects. It further organizes these objects into four unique categories. Deep SORT follows the trajectory of each individual detected, providing an unprecedented look at plastic behavior in waterways.
Technology Integration
The inclusion of template matching as part of the automated processing is central to calculating river surface flow velocity. This new measurement will be a critical foundation for our understanding of how and where plastics are most likely to accumulate or disperse in river systems. The process begins with high-resolution video footage captured from various points along the river, allowing the system to analyze water flow patterns.
YOLOv8 takes the system a step further by automatically detecting and classifying plastics with high precision in real-time. This smart technology makes it possible to identify various kinds of plastic waste, allowing for clean-up to be focused where it’s really needed most. Furthermore, Deep SORT adds onto this by offering real-time tracking of these recognized plastics, establishing a new responsive monitoring structure.
Research and Development
The extensive scientific background on river plastic monitoring technologies has been synthesized by the research team. Their complete elucidation of their findings is documented here under the DOI 10.1016/j.watres.2025.124678. Their work received new international attention following the conclusion of the 2019 G20 Osaka Summit. There, it was hailed as a significant victory in the battle against ocean pollution.
We will deepen practical applications and uses by integrating the AI system into the Plastic River Monitoring System (PRIMOS). This advanced dynamic system was jointly created with Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd. This partnership aims to promote the use of the AI-based system in actual river environments, facilitating real-world testing and implementation.
Future Implications
The nationwide deployment of this cuttingedge monitoring system—river plastic pollution’s equivalent to the smartphone—has the potential to revolutionize how environmental agencies tackle this emerging pollutant. It delivers high-quality and near real-time data that tracks global plastic distribution and movement. This will help inform and empower policymakers and conservationists to craft targeted strategies that stop the flow of plastic waste.