Explain why the biodegradation of plastic might be more hazardous to the environment than the presence of plastic as marine debris.

Answer:

As plastic biodegrades or breaks apart, it can become tiny microplastics that are difficult to remove from water and sediments. Marine organisms may ingest these particles, and they can move through food webs. Breaking down plastic can also release chemicals or additives into the environment, spreading contamination more widely than larger pieces of debris.