Sci-Five | The Hindu Science Quiz: On Microplastics
A blue rectangular piece of microplastic sits on the finger of a researcher with the University of Washington-Tacoma environmental science program, after it was found in debris collected from the Thea Foss Waterway, in Tacoma, Wash., on May 19, 2010.
START THE QUIZ
1 / 5 |
What is the size range of microplastics?
- Less than 100nm
- Between 100nm and 5mm
- Between 1mm and 10mm
- Greater than 5mm
Microplastics are between 100nm and 5mm in size. There are also even smaller nanoplastics, defined as less than 100nm.
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2 / 5 |
What is the primary source of paint particles in aquatic environments?
- Sandblasting
- Spilled nurdles
- Grocery bags
- Mulching soils
Created when surfaces shed paint flakes or are sandblasted, a 2022 report showed that synthetic paint may be the largest source of microplastics in aquatic environments.
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3 / 5 |
Which type of microplastic commonly originates from items like grocery bags or chip bags?
- Fragments
- Nurdles
- Films
- Microfibers
Films come from thin, flexible plastics such as grocery or chip bags.
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4 / 5 |
How many tonnes of synthetic paint particles enter aquatic environments annually?
- 1.5 million tonnes
- 2.9 million tonnes
- 4.2 million tonnes
- 10 million tonnes
An estimated 2.9 million tonnes enters aquatic environments every year
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5 / 5 |
Blue whales can consume how many pieces of microplastic per day?
- 1 million
- 5 million
- 10 million
- 20 million
Blue whales – the largest living marine animal – may consume up to 10 million pieces of microplastic per day.
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Published – December 19, 2024 05:30 pm IST
