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'Stat on pixels': An automated counting method for selective fluorescent-stained microplastics using Nile Red dye
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This Australian study developed an automated counting method using Nile Red fluorescent dye and image processing software to quantify microplastics in environmental samples. Automated counting reduces the labor intensity of microplastic monitoring, making larger-scale surveillance of marine environments more feasible.
The NSW marine debris threat and risk assessment identified microplastics as a priority threat to the environmental assets and social values of the marine estate.There are increasing interests in microplastics and calls for a greater understanding of their presence and impacts.However, traditional environmental microplastic assessment is expensive, labour intensive, and lacks standardisation in sampling and analysis protocols.Most commonly, microplastic assessment involves (1) an expert manually counting each piece through a microscope, or (2) the more expensive approach, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman micro spectroscopy.
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A new approach for routine quantification of microplastics using Nile Red and automated software (MP-VAT)
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Researchers developed a new workflow combining Nile Red fluorescence staining with automated image analysis software (MP-VAT) to rapidly quantify microplastics in environmental samples, reducing the labor and subjectivity of manual counting methods. The automated approach improves throughput and reproducibility for routine microplastic monitoring applications.
Rapid detection and quantification of Nile Red-stained microplastic particles in sediment samples
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Researchers developed a Nile Red staining method combined with automated fluorescence microscopy to rapidly detect and quantify microplastics in deep-sea sediment samples. The method significantly reduced analysis time compared to manual identification while maintaining accuracy, enabling higher-throughput monitoring of microplastic contamination in marine sediments.
Autolabel: fluorescence particle detection and measurement for filter-paper microplastic images
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Scientists have created a new computer tool that automatically spots and measures microplastic particles in water or other samples, using a special dye that makes the plastic bits glow under light. This matters because tracking microplastic pollution usually requires slow, manual counting—this tool speeds up the process, making it easier for researchers to study how much of these tiny plastic particles are in our environment and, potentially, in our bodies.
Major factors influencing the quantification of Nile Red stained microplastics and improved automatic quantification (MP-VAT 2.0)
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Researchers identified key variables — staining conditions, camera settings, and image processing — that introduce quantification errors when using Nile Red fluorescence to count microplastics, and developed an improved automated tool (MP-VAT 2.0) to reduce this variability. The upgraded system provides more reliable, reproducible results for high-throughput microplastic analysis.
Microplastic and nanoplastic analysis methods, tests and reference materials
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Researchers described a workflow combining a streamlined experimental setup with automated image analysis to quantify marine microplastic debris, addressing the limitations of labor-intensive manual counting methods that currently prevent scalable and consistent global plastic monitoring.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.