Understanding Marine Plastic Pollution

The video discusses the growing issue of ocean plastic pollution, focusing on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It explains how plastics accumulate in ocean gyres, the persistence of plastic waste, and the challenges in tracking it. The video highlights efforts by scientists to map and track ocean debris and emphasizes the importance of innovative solutions and policy changes to address the problem. Despite the severity of the issue, there is optimism due to increasing awareness and action from organizations and consumers.

What is a gyre in the context of ocean currents?

• A method of recycling plastic

• A large circular current in the ocean

• A type of plastic waste

• A type of fish found in the Pacific Ocean

Who coined the term 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch'?

• Marcus Eriksen

• Captain Charles Moore

• Dr. Sarah-Jeanne Royer

• Curtis Ebbesmeyer and James Ingraham Jr.

What did Captain Charles Moore describe about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?

• It is an island of trash

• It is a smog of microplastic particles

• It is a clean area of the ocean

• It is a place with no plastic pollution

Why do plastic pieces persist in the ocean?

• They dissolve in seawater

• They oxidize quickly

• They are designed to resist natural decay

• They become waterlogged like wood

What is the most common type of plastic found in consumer goods?

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

• High density polyethylene (HDPE)

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

• Polystyrene (PS)

What is one method used to track marine debris?

• Using a metal detector

• Using a sonar device

• Collecting samples with a magnet

• Attaching a GPS buoy

What technology is used to identify the type of plastic in marine debris?

• Infrared thermography

• Ultrasound imaging

• FTIR or micro-Raman spectroscopy

• X-ray spectroscopy

How does plastic pollution affect the ocean's ability to absorb CO2?

• It enhances the absorption

• It has no effect

• It reduces the absorption

• It completely stops the absorption

What percentage of Earth's habitat is in the ocean?

• 70%

• 90%

• 50%

• 10%

What is a positive step being taken to address plastic pollution?

• Banning all plastic products

• Developing innovative cleanup solutions

• Ignoring the problem

• Increasing the production of single-use plastics