A student researching ocean plastic pollution has taken the following notes:
• An estimated 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans annually • The Great Pacific Garbage Patch covers an area twice the size of Texas • Microplastics have been found in 90% of commercially sold fish • Plastic takes 400+ years to decompose in the ocean • Many marine animals mistake plastic for food, causing injury and death
The student wants to emphasize the scale of ocean plastic pollution. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Microplastics have been found in 90% of commercially sold fish, raising health concerns.
Plastic takes over 400 years to decompose in the ocean, persisting for generations.
With 8 million tons of plastic entering oceans annually and a garbage patch twice the size of Texas, ocean plastic pollution has reached a massive scale.
Many marine animals mistake plastic for food, leading to injury and death.
Correct Answer: C
Choice C. 8 million tons and Texas-size garbage patch show the massive scale.