Why is there a great concern about the 'microbeads' that are released into environment?
A
They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
B
They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
C
They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
D
They are often found to be used as food adulterants.
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
1. 'Microbeads' are small, solid plastic particles, typically less than 5mm in diameter, often used as exfoliants in personal care products like face washes and toothpaste.
2. When these products are used, the microbeads are washed down drains and, being too small to be filtered out completely by many wastewater treatment plants, are released into the aquatic environment (rivers, lakes, oceans).
3. In the marine environment, these non-biodegradable plastics persist for a very long time.
4. Marine organisms, from plankton to fish and birds, can ingest these microbeads, mistaking them for food. This can lead to physical harm (e.g., digestive blockage) and potential exposure to toxins absorbed by the plastics.
5. The accumulation of microbeads in the food chain poses a significant threat, making them harmful to marine ecosystems. This is the primary reason for the great concern.
6. There is no established scientific evidence linking microbeads to skin cancer (B), widespread absorption by crop plants from irrigation (C), or their use as food adulterants (D).