A Smart Marine Debris Management System for a sustainable coastal city: An IoT-based application

Marine debris poses a significant environmental challenge, particularly in developing coastal regions. This study presents an innovative IoT-based marine debris management system aimed at addressing the limitations of traditional waste management practices. The system integrates components such as ultrasonic sensors, imaging devices, Global Positioning System (GPS), and microcontrollers to enable real-time monitoring, automated alerts, and geolocation tracking of marine debris. Field trials conducted in coastal regions of Thailand demonstrate the system’s capability to enhance operational efficiency by reducing manpower, optimizing waste collection processes, and minimizing costs. The prototype is cost-effective, scalable, and adaptable, making it particularly suitable for deployment in developing countries with limited resources. Despite limitations such as reliance on solar power and sensor performance in adverse weather conditions, the system’s design shows promising potential for integration with existing waste management frameworks. Future improvements, including the incorporation of artificial intelligence for predictive analytics and debris classification, could further strengthen its role in supporting sustainable coastal urban development. • An IoT-based system developed to reduce resource and labor usage while minimizing marine pollution. • Ultrasonic sensors and GPS notifications allow staff to detect garbage in real time, improving waste collection efficiency. • The ESP32-CAM and solar power in this low-cost system allow for easy scaling for use in various coastal regions. • The system promotes sustainable coastal urban development and protects water ecosystems.