Nile red staining-based rapid microplastics detection device combined with custom deep learning algorithm. Requires a digital microscope, optical filter, 385 nm UV source, and Raspberry Pi 4. Results available in 19 seconds, with costs of $0.10 USD/sample. Detection is limited to particles >100 μm by microscope resolution.

PDF and protocol are available at Publisher Website

Note: at the time of writing (11-17-2025), the author’s GitHub repository linked to this publication only provides images, and does not contain the code or software necessary to apply this method or reproduce results obtained in this manuscript. After direct outreach to the authors and journal editor, the authors revealed that they intend to commercialize this technology, and therefore are unwilling to provide and data or code associated with this publication. We at Plastiverse believe that this method is a promising technology that could significantly decrease resource barriers to monitoring microplastics, and maintain hope that the authors will one day make this technology open source.