Microplastic Sampling
Unit 9 · Week 4 · Protocol and Data Collection
Ngā Whāinga Akoranga · Learning Intentions
- Follow a safe microplastic sampling protocol and collect field data
- Record and categorise microplastic particles using a standardised data table
- Identify likely sources of microplastics at the sample site
- Connect microplastic pollution to kaitiakitanga obligations for waterways
Paearu Angitu · Success Criteria
- I completed all safety checks before handling samples
- I have at least four rows of data with location, count, and notes
- I can name two likely sources of microplastics at this site
- I can explain what the data suggests about the health of this waterway
Hononga Marautanga · Curriculum Alignment
Plan and carry out investigations using a range of methods; collect, record, and interpret data; evaluate the reliability of findings.
Understand how pollution affects ecosystems; investigate human impacts on local waterway environments.
Haumaru me Ngā Taputapu · Safety and Equipment
⚠️ Safety — Check before you start
- Wear gloves — do not touch sample water directly
- Wear safety glasses when decanting samples
- Do not touch face during sampling
- Wash hands thoroughly after the activity
- Dispose of sample water as directed by teacher
- Report any cuts or skin contact immediately
🔬 Equipment — Collect before going out
- Sample jars (labelled with site name)
- Fine-mesh net or filter paper (25–100 μm)
- Tweezers and magnifying glass
- White sorting tray
- Gloves and safety glasses
- This data sheet, clipboard, pencil
Tikanga Tūhuratanga · Sampling Procedure
| Step | What to do | Done? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Record site name, location description, date, time, and weather | ☐ |
| 2 | Collect 1 litre of surface water — hold jar just below surface, away from the bank | ☐ |
| 3 | Label the jar with site code and sample number | ☐ |
| 4 | Pour sample slowly through filter paper/net — capture all particles | ☐ |
| 5 | Transfer filter contents into white tray with a little clean water to spread particles | ☐ |
| 6 | Using tweezers and magnifying glass, count and categorise particles (fibre/fragment/film/bead) | ☐ |
| 7 | Record counts in the data table below | ☐ |
| 8 | Dispose of sample as instructed — wash equipment and hands before leaving | ☐ |
Tūtohi Raraunga · Data Table
| Location / Sample # | Fibres | Fragments | Films | Beads | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOTAL |
Weather: __________ Water flow: __________ Nearby land use: __________________________
Whakaaro Hoki · Reflection
1. What does your data suggest about the microplastic load at this site — high, moderate, or low? What evidence supports that?
2. Identify two likely sources of microplastics at this site:
3. What would you test next to better understand pollution at this site?
Aronga Mātauranga Māori
Microplastics are now found in virtually every waterway in Aotearoa — from alpine streams to coastal harbours. For Māori communities this is not merely an ecological issue; it challenges kaitiakitanga. Wai is wai ora — the source of life — and contamination of wai by human waste represents a breach of the reciprocal relationship between people and te taiao.
Many iwi conduct their own water quality monitoring combining scientific methods with traditional tohu: invertebrate presence, clarity, smell, and the behaviour of fish are part of an integrated assessment practiced for generations. Your sampling today adds to that kete of knowledge.
Ngā Rauemi Tautoko · Support Materials
Resources already provided:
- Sampling equipment (jars, filter paper, tweezers, trays) — collected from teacher
- Site map showing sampling locations (on class site)
- Microplastic particle type reference card (laminated, one per group)
- Week 4 Pollution Calculations handout — use your totals for the calculations activity
Aronga Rerekē · Differentiated Pathways
Tīmata · Entry Level
Complete 3 data rows. Count total particles only — no need to categorise by type. Answer reflection questions 1 and 2.
Paerewa · On Level
Complete all 5 data rows with full categorisation. Calculate totals by type. Answer all three reflection questions.
Tūāpae · Extension
Complete all sections. Calculate particles per litre (total ÷ litres sampled). Compare your result to published NZ or international benchmarks. Draft a one-paragraph statement of concern you could present to a local council.