Worldwide detection of plastic from space with the EMIT imaging spectrometer

Since 1970, increased plastic use and waste mismanagement have contributed to environmental pollution leading to the proliferation microplastics and ocean contamination. Tackling this issue at its source requires assessing where plastics are located on land, and identifying which of those locations are sources contributing to ocean contamination. Using observations from the NASA’s Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT), we present continental-scale maps highlighting PVC and HDPE plastic hotspots, providing the basis for actionable monitoring of these plastics and the agricultural dependence.