- Scientists study tiny plastic pieces in the ocean.
- These pieces are called microplastics.
- Microplastics can release carbon when they are burned.
- That carbon looks like carbon from living things.
- Common tools cannot tell the difference.
- Microplastics enter water from rivers and waste.
- Clothes fibers and gear can add microplastics to samples.
- Plastic carbon can change long-term records.
- Study appears in the PLOS One journal.
Difficult words
- microplastic — very small pieces of plasticmicroplastics
- carbon — a basic element in many living things
- burn — to destroy with fire or heatburned
- tool — an object people use to do worktools
- waste — materials that people throw away
- fiber — a thin thread from cloth or plantsfibers
- sample — a small amount taken for testingsamples
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you see plastic in rivers or the ocean near you?
- Do you try to make less waste at home?
- Have you ever seen small plastic pieces on a beach or in water?
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