Integration of citizen science and machine learning approach to shape actions for plastic pollution | |
| Author | Rimal, Pranita |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.MPA-21-59 |
| Subject(s) | Plastic scrap--Environmental aspects Microplastics--Environmental aspects Plastics--Environmental aspects |
| Note | A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Marine Plastics Abatement |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Plastic pollution is increasing at an alarming rate. Upgrades in technologies have enabled empowering the citizens to be part of studies, data reporting and informing authorities to form plans and policies accordingly. However, these methods are yet to be implemented to its full potential with the absence of standard framework to validate the findings. To highlight the possibility of complementing citizen science and machine learning methods, this research aimed to assess the citizen science and object detection of machine learning approach by its integration in studying plastic litter. The study utilized citizen science for two purpose; data collection and data annotation on pLitter street model that is developed to detect plastic litter along the street. Annotated data of the study site was used as the ground truth to calculate the precision of pLitter street model for plastic detection using intersection over union (IoU) metrics. Citizen data was also assessed by comparing different citizen scientist’s perspectives on the same dataset with IoU values obtained against reference data. The findings revealed the prediction accuracy of 32% and recall of 37.9%. High inconsistency was also observed in the citizen based annotated data to be used for training the ML model. Contradiction in the data used for training the model and citizen data for verification was also observed along with the absence of framework for data collection and annotation to engage citizens for input to the pLitter street model. The study made recommendations and also identified opportunities for citizen science to support in actions plans targeting plastic pollution. |
| Year | 2021 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Marine Plastic Abatement (MPA) |
| Chairperson(s) | Ekbordin Winijkul;Kavinda Gunasekara (Co-Chairperson) |
| Examination Committee(s) | Chongrak Polprasert;Attaphongse Taparugssanagorn |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of Japan |
| Degree | Research studies project report (M.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2021 |