Question

filtration is a widely used method for removing microplastics—plastics with a width less than 5 millimeters (mm)—from waterways. however, filtration systems are typically unable to capture very small microplastics. menake piyasena and nelum perera designed a device that applies sound waves to water as it flows through a metal tube. the sound waves cause the microplastics in the water to gather in the middle and along the sides of the tube. the microplastics can then be separated out by channeling polluted and clean water though different outlets. testing indicated that the system removes even tiny microplastics, including ones as small as 10 microns, or 0.01 mm, wide. this result suggests that
which choice most logically completes the text?
a. unlike sound waves, filters have the ability to remove large microplastics from polluted waterways.
b. the sound wave treatment system may help solve a problem associated with filtration of microplastics.
c. directing water through filtration tubes with multiple outlets reduces microplastic pollution.
d. combining filtration with sound waves is likely the most efficient method for removing microplastics from water.

Explanation:

The text starts by stating the limitation of filtration in capturing small microplastics. Then it describes a sound - wave based device that can remove even tiny microplastics. So, the sound - wave treatment system can address the microplastic filtration problem. Option A focuses on filters' ability with large microplastics which is not the main point. Option C is about filtration tubes with multiple outlets, not the sound - wave system. Option D mentions combining filtration and sound waves, but the text doesn't emphasize combination as the most efficient method.

Answer:

B. the sound wave treatment system may help solve a problem associated with filtration of microplastics.