Waste Item Specific Threat Score

Persistence : This measures how long an item lasts in the environment before breaking down. A high score means the item will pollute the ecosystem for centuries. Toxicity : This measures how chemically harmful an item is. A high score means the item leaches poisonous substances, like heavy metals or chemicals, that harm plants and animals. Physical Impact : This measures the direct mechanical damage an item can cause. A high score means the item is bulky, can smother habitats, or easily entangle wildlife and mangrove roots. Buoyancy : This measures an item's ability to float. A high score means the item is easily carried by tides and currents, allowing it to spread deep into the sensitive parts of the mangrove forest. Fragmentation Potential : This measures how easily an item breaks into many small pieces (like microplastics). A high score means the item creates tiny particles that are easily eaten by animals, contaminating the entire food web. Total Score : This is the sum of the five scores above. It gives an overall measure of an item's combined threat to the mangrove ecosystem. Threat Level : This is a simple label (from "Very Low" to "Very High") that categorizes the Total Score, making it easier to quickly identify the most dangerous items.