Ocean contains a million times more microplastic particles than previously thought

The University of California, San Diego conducted research suggesting the ocean may contain far more microplastic particles than previously estimated. Traditional collection methods were inadequate, leading researchers to develop new techniques for gathering microplastics from the ocean surface. The study involved collecting seawater and salp samples over several years, revealing higher plastic concentrations near the shore. Analysis showed microplastics in every salp sample, estimating 8.3 million microplastic pieces per cubic meter of water.

What was the main issue with past methods of collecting microplastic samples?

• They were harmful to marine life.

• They allowed smaller particles to escape.

• They were too slow.

• They were too expensive.

What new method did researchers use to collect microplastics from the ocean surface?

• Using drones to collect samples

• Using metal buckets to gather seawater

• Using submarines to collect deep-sea samples

• Using satellites to track microplastics

During which years did researchers conduct cruises to collect seawater samples?

• 2009 to 2015

• 2012 to 2018

• 2005 to 2010

• 2010 to 2016

What are salps, and why were they collected in the study?

• Salps are crustaceans collected for their shells.

• Salps are a type of fish collected for their oil.

• Salps are a type of seaweed used for biofuel.

• Salps are gelatinous creatures that filter seawater for food.

What did the study estimate about the concentration of microplastics in the ocean?

• There are 1 million pieces of microplastics per cubic meter.

• There are 8.3 million pieces of microplastics per cubic meter.

• There are 500,000 pieces of microplastics per cubic meter.

• There are 10 million pieces of microplastics per cubic meter.