Comprehensive Analysis of On-Site Riparian Waste Pollution: A Case Study on the Hyakken River Basin

Abstract

Environmental degradation due to waste pollution (i.e., abandon artificial objects in the natural environment) is a growing concern that demands comprehensive understanding and effective solutions. This paper discussed the intricate issue of waste pollution, focusing on the Hyakken River Basin. This study presents of the waste pollution under long-term sunshine and/or water flow brush-up in the area, emphasizing the transformative effects of these environmental factors on the waste pollution. To substantiate this findings, the authors utilized smartphones to capture high-resolution images. To train these images in a YOLOv8 model, the datasets were meticulously annotated using roboflow, incorporating advanced data augmentation techniques. Subsequent testing involved the application of the model to smartphone videos from distinct sections of the field. Engaging actively in the cleanup process alongside dedicated volunteers, the authors successfully cleared the riparian area, providing a firsthand account of the positive impact of collaborative efforts. The on-site waste pollution after long-term in the natural environment is not similar to commercial goods (i.e., color and shape). Several models (i.e., pre-trained and custom-trained) have been tested with the Hyakken River Basin Wild Dataset. Derived from the results, custom-trained YOLOv8n-seg model has better results. Comparing with the SAM result without specified label, custom-trained YOLOv8n-seg model also has potential of improving. Looking ahead, the authors envision the utilization of this dataset as a valuable tool for supporting both volunteers and government staff in waste amount analysis. By contributing to environmental protection initiatives, this research aspires to pave the way for informed decision-making and sustainable solutions in the ongoing battle against waste pollution.