BEU Scientist Presents New Approach to Mapping Plastic Pollution in the Caspian

A scientific article co-authored by Said Safarov, Associate Professor at the Department of Ecology and Green Innovations of Baku Engineering University (BEU), has been published in the prestigious journal "Geocarto International" (Taylor & Francis).

The article, published in the journal indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases, has been placed in the Q1 quartile in open access format in both scientific fields: "Geography, Planning and Development" and "Water Science and Technology."

In the study titled "UAV-based Deep Learning and Spatial Analysis for Mapping Coastal Plastic Debris Distribution" ("UAV-Based Deep Learning and Spatial Analysis for Mapping the Distribution of Plastic Litter on the Coast"), macroplastic pollution on the Caspian Sea coast of Neftchala was examined through the combined application of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery, a deep learning model based on the YOLOv4 architecture, GPS field validation and spatial statistics methods. In a study area of approximately 0,385 km², 7 192 litter items were detected, and the average density was found to be 18 684 items per 1 km², exceeding 60 000 items in individual pollution hotspots. The study results are regarded as a methodological basis for planning targeted cleanup measures and carrying out systematic monitoring in coastal areas.

The research is considered an important contribution to the fields of remote sensing, the application of artificial intelligence technologies in ecology, and the scientifically grounded study of the Caspian Sea's environmental problems.

The article can be accessed via the following links:

Scopus:
https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105052874128?origin=resultslist

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1080/10106049.2026.2736384