A feasible method for riverine macro litter monitoring – A case study of the Warnow River
Rivers are a key pathway for plastic pollution to reach the sea – but monitoring river litter effectively remains a challenge. This new report from the Circular Ocean-bound Plastic project presents a practical, field-tested approach to riverine macro litter monitoring, based on a case study of the Warnow River in Germany. By comparing multiple monitoring methods, from riverbank surveys to drone observations, the study identifies reliable strategies for long-term monitoring and evidence-based decision-making. The findings show that much of the litter becomes trapped along riverbanks and vegetation rather than remaining afloat, highlighting the importance of targeted monitoring approaches.
Download the full report below: