Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 2...

Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Microplastics, defined as plastic fragments smaller than five millimetres, have infiltrated virtually every ecosystem on Earth, and their presence in human bodies has become an urgent scientific concern. These particles originate from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, synthetic textiles, and personal care products, entering our bodies through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Recent studies have detected microplastics in human blood, lungs, and placental tissue, raising alarming questions about long-term health implications. Researchers estimate that the average person consumes approximately five grams of plastic weekly, though actual health consequences remain poorly understood.

The potential health impacts have sparked intense debate within the medical community. Laboratory experiments suggest these particles may trigger inflammatory responses, disrupt endocrine function, and serve as vectors for toxic chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol A. However, critics argue that most research uses animal subjects with concentrations far exceeding human exposure levels, making direct extrapolation problematic. They emphasise the need for rigorous epidemiological studies tracking long-term outcomes. Meanwhile, preliminary evidence indicates that microplastics can cross cellular membranes and accumulate in organs, potentially interfering with essential biological processes. The plastic industry contests these findings, claiming current exposure levels pose negligible risks.

Environmental advocacy groups have intensified pressure on governments and corporations to address the crisis through comprehensive regulatory frameworks. They demand mandatory labelling of products containing microbeads, restrictions on single-use plastics, and investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure capable of filtering microscopic particles. Marine biologists warn that aquatic ecosystems face catastrophic disruption as microplastics concentrate in food chains, ultimately affecting seafood consumed by humans. Coastal populations show higher microplastic loads due to seafood-heavy diets, creating a vicious cycle where ocean pollution directly impacts human wellbeing through dietary pathways.

Technological solutions face significant obstacles despite considerable research investment. Developing filtration systems that capture particles measuring mere microns requires engineering innovations that remain economically prohibitive for widespread implementation. Fabric manufacturers have experimented with designs releasing fewer synthetic fibres during washing, but consumer adoption rates remain disappointingly low. Some scientists propose enzymatic treatments that could break down plastics into harmless compounds, though these technologies require decades of development before commercial viability. The fundamental issue persists: reducing microplastic pollution demands systemic changes in production, consumption, and waste management practices that current economic models resist.

(Adapted from https://www.nationalgeographic.com)

Question 23. The word phthalates in paragraph 2 can be best replaced by ______.

A. chemicals                        B. proteins                C. nutrients                D. antibodies