Development and validation of a novel suspended particulate matter sampling device for analysis of particle-bound microbial communities.

Biotic and abiotic materials attachment to suspended particulate matter in aquatic systems can increase their toxicity and health impacts and has led to an increased need for consistent sampling across various compartments. Sedimentation traps and continuous flow centrifuges are the traditional tools for sampling suspended particulate matter, while manta trawls have been widely used for surface water sampling of suspended or floating microplastics. Limitations, however, exist in the cost of sampling and infrastructure needed to deploy such devices.