Question

assessing the role of threats as - stakes for airborne microplastics that would otherwise continue to disperse in the atmosphere. akari mizukami and her team measured concentrations of plastic particulates on leaves from japanese oak trees in japan. the team used three separate extraction methods: an ultrapure water rinse, a rinse combined with ultrasonic waves, and an alkaline - solution treatment that removes epicuticular wax (a surface coating on most land plants to which particles can adhere). the concentrations of particulates recovered were 7.6 percent for water extraction, 38.4 percent for ultrasonic extraction, and 53.8 percent for alkaline extraction, leading the team to conclude that previous assessments have likely underestimated forest canopy capacity as sinks.
13 which detail, if true, would most directly support the teams conclusion?
a most studies of microplastic accumulation on leaves have utilized extraction methods that do not have a substantial effect on epicuticular wax.
b most studies of microplastic accumulation on leaves have focused on leaves with diverse tree species that exhibit varying levels of epicuticular wax.
c most studies of microplastic accumulation on leaves have found particulate concentrations that greatly exceeded 53.8 percent.
d most studies of microplastic accumulation on leaves have involved the application of the alkaline treatment before water and ultrasonic treatments rather than after them.

Explanation:

The team concludes that previous measurements have likely underestimated forest canopy capacity as sinks. Option A supports this by stating that most studies used extraction methods that don't affect epicuticular wax, which could mean they missed particles attached to this wax, thus underestimating the capacity.

Answer:

A. Most studies of microplastic accumulation on leaves have utilized extraction methods that do not have a substantial effect on epicuticular wax.