(Ⅱ)In a groundbreaking investigation, scientists have unveiled a startling revelation: bottled water, a staple
of modern convenience, may harbor far more plastic particles than previously imagined.__56__. __57__ Once introduced into the body, these nanoparticles disseminate synthetic chemicals,
potentially dispersing harmful substances throughout various tissues and cells, experts caution. 58
A single liter of water, equivalent to two standard-sized bottles, contained an average of 240,000 plastic
particles, predominantly composed of nanoplastics, along with microplastics. These minute plastic
fragments, measuring less than 0.2 inches down to 1/25,000th of an inch, pose a pervasive threat. Sherri “Sam” Mason, a sustainability expert at Penn State Behrend, lauded the study's rigor, hailing
it as groundbreaking. Mason emphasizes the importance of heeding longstanding advice to opt for tap
water stored in glass or stainless steel containers to mitigate exposure to plastics, extending this caution
to all plastic-packaged consumables.__59__ This technological breakthrough enables researchers to
meticulously scrutinize, count, and analyze the chemical composition of these minute particles,
previously concealed from scientific inquiry.
Despite the potential health risks posed by nanoplastics, there remains a dearth of research into their
impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations such as infants and young children. Experts warn of
the insidious nature of nanoplastic pollution, with particles infiltrating major organs and potentially
disrupting vital cellular processes.__60__Questions regarding nanoplastic sources, distribution, and
physiological impacts remain unanswered, underscoring the imperative for continued research and
public awareness.
In the interim, individuals can take proactive measures to reduce plastic exposure, advocating for
sustainable alternatives and mindful consumption practices. Amidst mounting concerns over
nanoplastic contamination, informed choices and collective action are indispensable in safeguarding
human health and environmental integrity.
(A) Nanoplastics, at a mere fraction of the width of a human hair, possess the astonishing ability to
traverse the barriers of the digestive tract or lungs, infiltrating the bloodstream.
(B) Furthermore, the study pioneers a novel approach to detecting nanoplastics, utilizing advanced
microscopy techniques.
(C) As science delves deeper into the realm of nanoplastics, avenues for further investigation emerge.
(D) These minuscule entities, known as nanoplastics, are so infinitesimally small that they elude
detection even under the scrutiny of a microscope.
(E) In a recent study, researchers examined the contents of bottled water, revealing a disconcerting
reality.