Widespread distribution of microplastics in subsurface seawater in the NE Pacific Ocean

Nile Red Staining as a Subsidiary Method for Microplastic Quantifica-tion: A Comparison of Three Solvents and Factors Influencing Application Reliability

“…14,21 Besides spectroscopic techniques a quantitative differential staining approach based on the lipophilic dye Nile Red (9-diethylamino-5H-benzo[α]phenoxazine-5-one) has been applied. [23][24][25][26][27][28] The phenoxazone Nile Red was first used in the field of microbiology for detecting intracellular lipid droplets as well as for flow cytofluorometry 29,30 and has firstly been adapted for the purpose of microplastic analysis by Andrady. 27 Though this approach does not reveal information on the chemical structure of the particles, it allows a quick and inexpensive estimation of the microplastic load in a sample.…”

Small Microplastic Sampling in Water: Development of an Encapsulated Filtration Device

“…Costs are denoted as relative estimates ranging from "+" (lowest costs) to "+++" highest costs as actual costs may vary depending on supplier and chosen design specifics. References of method application [10,11], present study [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] [12] * = high density polymers (i.e., denser than water); ** = low density polymers (i.e., lighter than water).…”

“…That it is, however, important to adequately cover the lower microplastic size ranges in surveys that estimate current pollution levels, and has been highlighted by recent research articles and reports [10,11,14], reviews [13], and legislative policy advice [15][16][17]. Typical sources of small MP size fractions, such as tyre wear or intentionally added abrasive MP in products, are named as points of concern by the latter.…”

“…Bongo nets, WP-2 nets, as well as special constructions for layered profiling have been applied alike [5][6][7][8]. Single or staggered open sieve constructions, as well as encapsulated flow-through filtration devices are approaches that have been utilised by other studies [9][10][11]. Additionally, sampling of MP has been accomplished by means of density separation in continuous flow centrifuges used in suspended matter analysis [12].…”

“…Most studies used mesh sizes between 300 and 390 µm [13], which seems a reasonable cut-off to yield acceptable and meaningful samples under open net sampling conditions, whereas MP below this size would necessitate techniques that appropriately address these constructional vulnerabilities. That it is, however, important to adequately cover the lower microplastic size ranges in surveys that estimate current pollution levels, and has been highlighted by recent research articles and reports [10,11,14], reviews [13], and legislative policy advice [15][16][17]. Typical sources of small MP size fractions, such as tyre wear or intentionally added abrasive MP in products, are named as points of concern by the latter.…”