Table 2.

Sampling protocols used to assess plastic debris loads in urban runoff by the Algalita Marine Research Foundation. Water-based samples are collected upstream of debris booms, above the influence of the tidal prism.

habitat sampled	collection device	net aperture (m)	mesh size (mm)
surface; mid-stream	manta trawl	0.9 × 0.15	0.33
surface, edge	hand net	0.46 × 0.25	0.5 or 0.8
mid-water	weighted net	0.46 × 0.25	0.33
bed load	streambed sampler	0.15 × 0.15	0.33
bottom sediments	scoop	15 l bucketa	—

^aFifteen litres of bottom sediments are collected to a depth of 100 mm; in cement-lined canals, samples are collected where the concrete bottom terminates and natural bottom begins.