Course Dates: March 30 - April 3, 2026

Deadline to Apply: December 15, 2025

Course Description

Participants will learn hands-on techniques for sampling, identifying, classifying, and analyzing

microplastics in three environmental matrices: sediment, water, and air. As part of an accredited

laboratory, they will use validated and standardized methods throughout, collecting their own

samples and following the full life cycle of microplastic analysis as researchers. This workshop

will focus on high-throughput and automated approaches to microplastic identification and

analysis, demonstrating emerging technologies to streamline processing and improve efficiency.

Learning Outcomes

● Field sampling by trawling, land surveying, and air sampling.

● Sample processing techniques for different matrices (density separation and chemical

digestion).

● Microplastic classification by type and size with compound microscopes,

stereomicroscopes, and ImageJ.

● Hands-on training on spectroscopy instruments:

○ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (iN10 FTIR)

○ Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Plate reader (iS50 FTIR)

○ Raman spectroscopy (DXR3xi Raman)

● Identification of microplastics across size ranges from 1 μm to >500 μm.

● Automated techniques for microplastic analysis.

● Data Analysis in R using OpenSpecy for interpretation and classification.

● Networking with other microplastic professionals

By the end of this course, participants will have gained comprehensive training in accredited

microplastic analysis techniques. They will have the skills to conduct high-quality sampling,

laboratory analysis, data interpretation, and the confidence to apply accredited methods in their

research or professional work. Participants will be awarded a certificate of completion verifying

that they have completed training in accredited microplastic analysis.