Detecting floating plastics using a high-frequency X-band radar : a feasibility study on unconventional monitoring techniques for the detection of plastics

Ship-based X-band radar was tested for the detection of floating plastics. Plastic items are likely to a have a different radar reflection than items of other materials with the same size above the water, since they have different dielectric constants. Three measurement campaigns were carried out in the Rhine-Meuse Delta, revealing its potential to be used as a unique, continuous monitoring method in detecting and tracking larger plastic items.