Question

Consider the following statements.

1. Microplastics are small pieces of plastic, less than 50 mm in length, that occur in the environment as a consequence of plastic pollution.

2. Microplastics are present in cosmetics, synthetic clothing, plastic bags and bottles.

3. Normal Plastic and Microplastics both are biodegradable.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : 2 only

The correct answer is 2 only

• Microplastics, small pieces of plastic, less than 5 mm (0.2 inch) in length, that occur in the environment as a consequence of plastic pollution. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• Microplastics are present in a variety of products, from cosmetics to synthetic clothing to plastic bags and bottles. Many of these products readily enter the environment in wastes. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Normal plastic is biodegradable while, Microplastics are not biodegradable. Thus, once in the environment, primary and secondary microplastics accumulate and persist. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

• Microplastics are either manufactured, for instance, microbeads that are used in cosmetics and beauty products, or they are formed when larger pieces of plastic break down.
• The small, shiny particles advertised as “cooling crystals” in certain toothpaste qualify as microplastics if the ingredients of the toothpaste mention “polyethylene”.
• Even so, manufactured microbeads are not a major contributor to microplastic pollution.
• One of the main contributors to this pollution, instead, is plastic waste, 90% of which is not recycled.
• Plastic bottles, bags, fishing nets, and food packaging are some examples of the larger pieces that break down into microplastics, eventually finding their way into the soil, water, and the air we breathe.