# [PERSON]: Extreme Plastic Pollution Pathways in Riparian Waterways
## 5 Discussion
### Contributions and Future Work  
This research makes contributions to the growing body of knowledge on plastic transport dynamics in riparian and tidal environments. By employing a low-cost, field-based approach, this study demonstrated the efficacy of using a GPS-enabled plastic tracker augmented with accelerometer data and hidden Markov model (HMM) analysis to achieve a granular understanding of plastic retention and movement under complex tidal conditions [11; 21]. The integration of these methods provides a novel framework for analyzing plastic waste behavior, advancing methodologies for studying pollution pathways in dynamic environments.  
Furthermore, this research emphasizes the value of in situ observations in real-world, heavily polluted challenging environments like the Saigon River. These findings highlight the limitations of traditional plastic transport models that rely on unidirectional flow assumptions, underscoring the need for models that account for bidirectional flows, tidal reversals, and retention zones. By addressing these gaps, this study contributes to the refinement of plastic pollution models and offers practical insights for targeted cleanup efforts and policymaking [23; 25].  
Looking ahead, future research could extend the scope of this study by deploying multiple GPS-enabled trackers across a range of tidal and non-tidal river systems. This expanded approach could allow for a comparative analysis of transport dynamics under varying environmental conditions, including areas of high plastic accumulation, such as collection and diversion points along the Saigon River. These studies could inform the design of localized interventions and enhance global understanding of plastic retention and movement [26], identifying more opportunities for efficient redirection and removal of waterway waste.  
Another promising avenue for future work is the examination of how different types of plastic and waste, varying in buoyancy, rigidity, and shape, interact with tidal flows and external forces. By deploying trackers with varying buoyancy characteristics, researchers could better understand the specific behaviors of diverse plastic types under natural conditions. This knowledge could guide waste management strategies and inform efforts to design more effective pollution control measures in similar tidal waterways [10]. Future studies could also focus on identifying optimal locations for installing plastic waste capture systems by analyzing the movement and retention patterns of different plastic types in areas prone to accumulation.  
As part of the broader findings, this study emphasizes the importance of fostering informed awareness to bridge the gap between scientific research and community action on plastic pollution. In addition to collaborating with Re-Think Plastics Vietnam and supporting their initiative during Plastic Awareness Month, the research findings will be disseminated in formats suitable for general public reading in both English and Vietnamese. This approach ensures that local researchers, students, and non-governmental agencies have access to data sets that directly map and inform how discarded single-use plastic bottle waste moves through the inland waterway of the Saigon River. By doing so, we aim to foster community engagement, support localized environmental action, and strengthen awareness around plastic pollution's impact on Vietnam's critical ecosystems.