What term describes plastic debris larger than 5mm found in marine environments?

The term that describes plastic debris larger than 5mm found in marine environments is macroplastic. Macroplastic refers to larger plastic items that contribute significantly to ocean pollution, such as plastic bags, bottles, and larger fragments of plastic waste. This classification helps in understanding the impact of plastic waste on marine ecosystems, as macroplastics can harm marine life through entanglement, ingestion, and habitat degradation.

In contrast, microplastic refers to plastic particles smaller than 5mm, which are often the result of the breakdown of larger plastic debris. Biodegradable plastic refers to plastics designed to decompose more quickly than standard plastics, but their effectiveness can vary, and they may not break down in marine environments. Persistent organic pollutants are organic compounds that resist environmental degradation and have harmful effects on living organisms, but this term does not specifically relate to plastics. Thus, macroplastic is the appropriate term for larger plastic debris in marine settings.