Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic waste. Areas of the ocean with higher concentrations of microplastic

Choice A is the best answer because it presents a statement about surfactants that is supported by the text. The text indies that higher concentrations of microplastics have been associated with waves that are relatively small and few. According to the text, however, a study by Sun and colleagues found that concentrations of microplastic particles can’t be the only reason for the reduced wave activity because a much higher concentration of particles is needed to produce that observed effect. Instead, the text indies that Sun and colleagues found that surfactants are released from microplastics into the ocean and have a much stronger wave-reducing effect than microplastics alone do.

Choice B is incorrect because the text doesn’t discuss what surfactants are made of. Instead, it indies that surfactants are frequently used to manufacture microplastics and that Sun and colleagues discovered that surfactants are released from microplastics into the ocean. Choice C is incorrect because the text doesn’t discuss how microplastics can be removed from the ocean. Instead, the text indies that Sun and colleagues discovered that surfactants are released into the ocean from microplastics and have a much stronger wave-reducing effect than microplastics alone do. Choice D is incorrect because the text doesn’t indie that surfactants can be used to contain microplastics within certain areas of the ocean. Instead, the text indies that Sun and colleagues discovered that surfactants are released from microplastics into the ocean and have a much stronger wave-reducing effect than microplastics alone do.