A new approach is presented for analysis of microplastics in environmental samples, based on selective fluorescent staining using Nile Red (NR), followed by density-based extraction and filtration. The dye adsorbs onto plastic surfaces and renders them fluorescent when irradiated with blue light. Fluorescence emission is detected using simple photography through an orange filter. Image-analysis allows fluorescent particles to be identified and counted. Magnified images can be recorded and tiled to cover the whole filter area, allowing particles down to a few micrometres to be detected. The solvatochromic nature of Nile Red also offers the possibility of plastic categorisation based on surface polarity characteristics of identified particles. This article details the development of this staining method and its initial cross-validation by comparison with infrared (IR) microscopy. Microplastics of different sizes could be detected and counted in marine sediment samples. The fluorescence staining identified the same particles as those found by scanning a filter area with IR-microscopy.

This paper aims to consider the key issues in defining and measuring elements for evaluation of the national program of the Sharing Health Care Initiative (SHCI), and to describe the design of the national evaluation framework. Key parts of the chronic disease self-management literature and the evaluation literature were reviewed. The implications of the literature for design of the national evaluation are outlined. Three key issues needed to be addressed in the national evaluation of the SHCI - a program of diverse demonstration projects funded to develop generic self-management approaches. First, a guiding principle of the national evaluation was identification of common project features for analysis against some standard impact and outcome measures, to allow aggregated and comparative analysis. Second, strong emphasis on process evaluation was critical in order to allow analysis of which elements were successful and which were not. Third, the national evaluation was focused more broadly than efficacy at the program participant level; it also covered factors that are likely to contribute to development of self-management programs in the Australian context. The focus of the national evaluation of the SHCI was clearly defined in line with its national role, and reflecting its focus on providing information for future policy options to most effectively develop chronic condition self-management approaches in Australia. Comprehensive evaluation of a range of factors beyond efficacy at the individual client level is needed to assist in understanding the potential effectiveness of population-based implementation of interventions with well-demonstrated efficacy.