Final answer:
Microplastics are not readily biodegradable and composting cannot break them down into usable products. The correct answer is option b. false.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that microplastics are plastic items that are less than five millimeters in size is correct. However, the assertion that composting uses to break down biodegradable wastes into usable products is not accurate in the context of microplastics. Microplastics are primarily composed of materials that are not readily biodegradable, especially under landfill conditions. Moreover, recycling is challenging due to the complexity of separating these tiny particles and the contamination they cause in the environment.
Most plastics, including those used to create microplastics, are derived from petrochemicals and do not easily decompose. They can cause significant environmental damage by entering waterways and potentially the food chain. When these plastics are exposed to elements such as sunlight, they may break down into even smaller particles, but this photodecomposition does not result in biodegradation. Instead, it leads to further environmental contamination with persistent microplastic fragments.
Recycling is a crucial process in managing plastic waste, and some plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (used in soft drink bottles), can be recycled into new products. However, this process does not fully address the issue of microplastics, as they are difficult to capture and recycle effectively. Consequently, reducing the release of microplastics, such as those shed from synthetic fabrics, and finding alternative materials that are truly biodegradable would help mitigate the problem.
The correct option for this question is:
b. false