Which of the following describes a direct effect of plastic accumulation in surface water?

Plastic accumulation in surface water has direct harmful effects on aquatic life and wildlife. When plastic debris enters water bodies, it can lead to the ingestion of plastic particles by various organisms, which can cause physical harm, starvation, and even death. Moreover, larger plastic items can trap, entangle, or suffocate marine animals, disrupting their natural behaviors and reducing their chance of survival.

Additionally, plastics often contain harmful chemicals or attract pollutants that can leach into the water and bioaccumulate in the food chain, further impacting not only aquatic species but also terrestrial wildlife that depend on the water for survival. Thus, the significant and direct consequence of plastic pollution is the detrimental impact it has on the health and viability of aquatic ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.