Our "Lab"

We conduct on-the-water microplastics sampling and then clean and examine our samples before analyzing and reporting on the data that we have generated to help expand the body of knowledge regarding the global microplastics problem. 

Research is at the core of what we do. Our research informs our other initiatives (including citizen science, education, and community engagement), and it is our contribution to others' efforts to advocate for change and implement on-the-water cleanup solutions. Keep reading to learn more about us, our resources, and our work:

Where We're Located

Our primary location is Charleston, SC, USA. This is where we conduct the vast majority of our work, including study design, microplastics sample collection, sample cleaning and analysis, grant writing, journal and conference submissions, and online publications. Our data analysis is performed by Director Nicole Brocato, PhD in Winston-Salem, NC.

As we grow, we intend to expand the scope of our research significantly. Over time, our goal is to conduct microplastics sampling and report on the scope and effects of the marine microplastics problem around the globe.

The Following Seas "Lab"

With the majority of our work taking place in Charleston, SC, this is the home of our "lab." We put "lab" in quotes because we operate from a variety of locations--including conducting microplastics sampling and analysis on inland, coastal, and offshore waters. This is intended to provide an overview of the equipment we have available as well as some insight into the work that goes into studying the marine microplastics problem.

*This is conceptual. It is not a floorplan of our actual location.

1. Sample Preparation 

Studying marine microplastics starts with on-the-water sampling. To gather samples, we use the equipment in our interior and exterior storage, discussed below. Once we've gathered samples, the next step is to prepare them for analysis. This requires the following equipment: 

  • Water Filter: Samples must be washed with ultra-pure water, which we prepare using a special water filter. 
  • Stainless Steel Kettle: When preparing microplastics samples, it is important not to introduce any additional microplastics during the process. We use a stainless steel kettle to collect and transport our filtered water. 
  • Scientific Scale: We use a highly accurate scientific scale to measure samples, water, and the chemicals used during the cleaning and separation processes. 
  • Separating Funnels: We have two separating funnels that we use to extract microplastics from both our samples and our blanks, which are control water samples. 
  • Glass Petri Dishes: Once we've extracted microplastics from our samples, we carefully place them in glass petri dishes using stainless steel filters for examination. 
  • Supplies: Preparing microplastics samples requires several supplies. These include petri dish grids, aluminum foil, and other items needed to prepare our samples for analysis. 
  • Chemicals: We use ethanol, sulfuric acid, potassium hydroxide, and calcium chloride during the preparation process. 
  • Stainless Steel Funnel and Sieves: We use a stainless steel funnel and sieves to transfer samples through the necessary chemical preparations.
  • Slate Slabs and PPE: Since the chemicals we use are noxious, we use slate slabs to prevent damage from any spillage. We also use personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Washing, rinsing, vacuum filtration, separation through floatation, and data collection are all parts of the process. Once our microplastics samples have been prepared, they are ready for analysis.

2. Sample Analysis

Once we have prepared our microplastics samples, then we can analyze them. We use two different microscopes and an iPad for data collection.

  • Microscope #1 (Stereo Microscope): A stereo microscope uses two separate optical pathways to provide a three-dimensional view of microplastics. This microscope is used for our first level of analysis. 
  • Microscope #2 (Compound Microscope): A compound microscope uses multiple lenses to provide a much higher level of magnification. This microscope is used for more detailed analyses of individual microplastics. 
  • iPad for Data Collection: We use an iPad to collect data during sample analyses. These data are then further analyzed based on the specific focus of our study. We maintain all of our data in long-term storage for conducting longitudinal studies and additional analyses as well. 

Sample analysis and data analysis serve as the underpinnings of our scientific work. Gathering and analyzing samples is an ongoing process--and, the more samples we can collect from different waters, the more insight we can provide into the global microplastics problem.

3. Exterior Storage

This is where we keep the kayaks that we use for on-the-water microplastics sampling and analysis in inshore waters. We currently have a fleet of six (6) kayaks that we use and that are available for use in community engagement events. This is also where we keep our trailer, paddles, life jackets, and the basic tools we need on the water.

4. Interior Storage

We keep several items in interior storage. These are primarily the items we use for conducting on-the-water sample collection. The items we currently have in interior storage include: 

  • Microplastics Trawls and Building Materials: We keep our microplastics trawls out of the elements when they are not in use. We also have a store of building materials for building additional trawls and making repairs when necessary. 
  • Microplastics Trawl Nets and Collection Bags: We use nets and collection bags of various micron levels to collect samples. These are carefully washed and dried after each use to maintain their usability for scientific research. 
  • Stainless Steel Stackable Sieves: We have several stainless steel stacking sieves that we use for both on-the-water and land-based microplastics sampling. These collect smaller samples than our trawls, but they are useful for a variety of different purposes. 
  • Flow Meters: We use flow meters to measure how much water flows through our trawls when sampling. This is critical for determining the concentration of microplastics in the water. 
  • Water Tester: We use an electronic water tester to collect various data points each time we sample. This includes pH, water temperature, and salinity. 
  • Glass Jars for Samples and Blanks: We use glass jars for storing samples and blanks (control samples) to avoid the introduction of microplastic contaminants from plastic storage containers. 
  • Transport Bin: We have a storage bin that we use to store our on-the-water equipment in a dry, temperature-controlled environment when not in use and to transport this equipment to our vessels.

When conducting sampling on the water, we also use iPhones for recording GPS tracking data as well as wind, tide, and current. These are also key data points that we use in our scientific analyses.

We also have access to a sailboat (pictured above), and we have plans to acquire our own sailboat in the not-too-distant future. Sailing allows us to collect samples in the Charleston Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean, and it reduces our carbon footprint compared to operating a purely motor-powered vessel.