Which of the following is a function of microplastics in the environment?

Microplastics serve multiple roles in the environment, and one significant function is their ability to adsorb toxins. This means that microplastics can attract and hold onto harmful chemicals and pollutants, such as heavy metals or persistent organic pollutants, which leads to the accumulation of these toxins in the microplastic particles.

When aquatic organisms mistakenly ingest microplastics, they can also inadvertently take in the toxins that are bound to these particles, leading to a range of harmful health effects, both for the organisms and the broader ecosystem. This function of toxicity adsorption makes understanding microplastics critically important when assessing their ecological impact.

The other choices—serving as a nutrient, supporting aquatic life, and enhancing soil fertility—do not appropriately capture the role of microplastics in the environment, as microplastics are more commonly associated with environmental hazards rather than positive contributions like nutrients or support for life. Therefore, the role of microplastics in adsorbing toxins is the most accurate representation of their function in the environment.