Explanation
Correct answer: A.
Choice A is the best answer because it presents a statement about surfactants that is supported by the text. The text indicates 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 indicates 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.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because the text doesn’t discuss what surfactants are made of. Instead, it indicates 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
Choice C is incorrect because the text doesn’t discuss how microplastics can be removed from the ocean. Instead, the text indicates 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
Choice D is incorrect because the text doesn’t indicate that surfactants can be used to contain microplastics within certain areas of the ocean. Instead, the text indicates 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.