By Geoinformatics Center (GIC)
16 October 2025- In an effort to address the growing issue of plastic pollution in rivers and waterways, the Geoinformatics Center (GIC) of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) developed plastic leakage maps for four Southeast Asian cities: Bangkok (Thailand), Can Tho (Vietnam), Vientiane (Laos), and Battambang (Cambodia). This milestone is a part of the PlasticFlow Mekong project funded by the Mekong ROK Cooperation Fund. This achievement was possible with valuable support from our partners- the National University of Laos (NUOL), Composted, Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), and ClearRivers.
A total of 1,143 data points were collected using the Survey123 mobile application, providing a diverse plastic leakage database across the study locations in the Mekong subregion. These data points were used to generate detailed maps showing where plastic waste is leaking into the environment. These maps provide a crucial baseline for understanding the extent of plastic waste leakage and identifying pollution hotspots in each target location.
Plastic Leakage Scenario in the Mekong Subregion
Four plastic leakage maps were created during the first phase of the survey to collect baseline information on the plastic leakage situation in the four cities. In Bangkok, Thailand, six communities along the Bang Bua Canal were surveyed, collectively producing 2.607 tons of waste daily. The mapping revealed a serious plastic leakage problem, particularly in parts of the Roy Khlong and Run Mai Phattana communities, where leakage is estimated at around 680 tons/year (yellow areas on the map)—the highest among all surveyed locations.
Fig. Survey point map of project site in Bangkok, Thailand (developed by GIC-AIT)
Fig. Plastic leakage map of project site in Bangkok, Thailand (developed by GIC-AIT)
In Laos, similar surveys were conducted in Xaythany District in Vientiane, covering three villages: Thasavang, Thar Ngon, and Phoukham. Collectively, these communities produced 1.51 tons of waste per day, reflecting lower overall consumption and waste generation compared to urban centers in other countries.
Fig. Ground survey using mobile app in Thailand (left) and Laos (right)
Among the four countries, Vietnam and Cambodia recorded the highest waste volumes. In Can Tho, Vietnam, the surveyed area (29.22 km²) produced approximately 350 tons of waste per day, while Battambang, Cambodia, reported around 102 tons per day within a 10.9 km² area. This is likely due to the larger areas covered in these two locations.
Fig. Ground survey using Survey123 mobile app in Vietnam (left) and Cambodia (right)
These baseline maps provide a foundation for assessing the effectiveness of awareness campaigns, community training, and improved waste management systems introduced throughout the project.
Read more about the survey in the links below:
