Much of human-made material that is discarded after use ends up in the oceans to become marine debris. Of this debris, plastic products are among the most troublesome because they are produced in vast amounts, are lightweight and hydrophobic (water repelling), and resist degradation. In large parts of the ocean, plastic debris can be more abundant than the natural prey of marine animals. Animals that ingest these items are exposed to high levels of chemicals and may suffer blockages in their... więcej

Salem Press Encyclopedia, 2020. 2p.