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Application of Digital Technologies in Plastic Waste Research in the Con Co Island Area (Vietnam)
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Researchers used drones, underwater surveys, and computer simulations to track plastic pollution around a small Vietnamese island, finding that plastic makes up over 90% of coastal waste and covers up to a third of the seabed near populated areas. Most strikingly, every single sample of household tap water tested contained microplastics, tiny plastic particles that can enter the human body through drinking water. This matters because it shows that plastic pollution isn't just an ocean problem, it's already making its way into the water people drink every day, highlighting the need for better waste management on small islands.
Small island environments are highly vulnerable to plastic and microplastic pollution due to constant exposure to ocean debris and limited waste management. Con Co Island in the Gulf of Tonkin is a prime example. Despite its rich marine ecosystem, the island faces severe environmental stress from household activities, commercial fishing, shipping, and tourism. To monitor the distribution of plastic waste across ecological zones, this study employed a comprehensive, multi-method approach. The methodology combined drone (UAV) imagery analyzed with the ResUNet50 deep-learning model, SCUBA diver seabed surveys, domestic water testing, and Delft3D-Part numerical simulations. The findings revealed that plastics account for over 90% of coastal solid waste, with an estimated total accumulation of 8,379 t (an average density of 1.4 kg/m). Underwater surveys showed that plastic litter covers between 1.0% and 31.25% of the seabed, primarily concentrated near residential areas and the local harbor. Furthermore, microplastics were detected in every single domestic water sample tested, with concentrations ranging from 0.34 to 2.75 ng/L. Simulation data also indicated distinct seasonal variations in microplastic dispersion, heavily driven by local currents, monsoons, and eddy formations. Unlike previous studies that relied on single-method assessments, this integrated approach merges surface, benthic, water, and hydrodynamic data to offer a unified perspective. These insights provide a robust scientific foundation for developing better pollution mitigation strategies and managing marine protected areas in small island settings.
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Researchers investigated microplastic pollution at Con Dao, a remote Vietnamese coral island designated as a national park, finding that even this protected area receives plastic contamination carried by the Mekong River, one of the world's top contributors to marine plastic waste.
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This review paper examines how plastic waste is polluting the coastal waters of Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, tracing where the trash comes from and the environmental damage it causes, while suggesting ways local officials can better tackle the problem. This matters beyond Vietnam because ocean plastic breaks down into microplastics that enter the seafood we eat and the water we drink, meaning pollution in one coastal region can ultimately affect human health worldwide.
Simulation Study of Plastic Waste Dispersion in the Coastal Area of Do Son – Hai Phong Using a Numerical Model
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