Table 3.

Training matrix for microplastics analysis using the Nile red method. Level of skill needed:

		Low	Medium	High
	Survey design		✔	✔
Sampling	Site selection		✔	✔
	Deployment—Manual grab sampler		✔
	Deployment—Manta trawl		✔
	Sample collection—biota		✔
	Sample collection—water	✔
	Sample collection—riverine sediment	✔	✔
Laboratory processes: Sediment	Sediment drying	✔
	Density separation with SMI units	✔	✔
	Chemical digestion		✔
	Filtration	✔
	NR staining	✔
Laboratory processes: Biota	Dissection		✔
	Chemical digestion		✔
	Filtration	✔
	NR staining	✔
Laboratory processes: Water	Chemical digestion		✔
	Filtration	✔
	NR staining	✔
Particle characterisation	Visualisation—microscopy		✔
	Single particle picking		✔
	Polymer identification using ATR-FTIR		✔
	Polymer identification using μ-FTIR			✔
Quantification and reporting	Quantification		✔
	Blank correction		✔
	Reporting		✔
	Statistical analysis		✔	✔
	Spatial mapping		✔	✔