Plastic Pollution - T

Question 1

rafting of marine species on ocean litter (plastic)

Answer 1

high increase of barnacles and other attaching to floating ocean plastic as a way of dispersal

Question 2

what are microplastics

Answer 2

<5mm polymer particles
products of fragmentation of larger plastic, manufactured for industrial or domestic use (microbeads)

Question 3

st. lawrence study summary

Answer 3

most from cosmetic products, industrial sources
abundances as high as those recorded in marine sediments
rivers can act as a sink for microplastic pollution

Question 4

why the concern? (4)

Answer 4

1. ingested by aquatic animals
2. impacts animal physiology and behavior
3. readily adsorb toxic contaminants and can transfer these to other animals
4. possible transfer to humans through seafood consumption