A non-invasive laboratory technique for wave-driven plastic debris motion detection

In recent years some non-invasive approaches have been developed for the study of the wave effects on plastic particle displacement. Although, most of these techniques are not capable of direct extraction of continuous information related to plastic particle mobility. Currently, at the University of Messina, an innovative technique for plastic particle motion detection under wave action is under study aimed to provide continuous information on plastic particle transport. Such a technique is based on the analysis of video recording through computer vision algorithms. This paper presents the results of the calibration and validation processes carried out using the data obtained by an experimental campaign conducted on non-buoyant plastic particles at the Hydraulics Laboratory of the University of Messina.