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The concept of plasticology
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This conceptual paper introduces "plasticology" as a proposed interdisciplinary field that integrates the natural sciences, social sciences, and arts to study the full relationship between humans and synthetic plastics in the environment. The authors argue that microplastic and nanoplastic research must include social dimensions — such as behavior patterns and public awareness — alongside chemistry, ecotoxicology, and environmental science to fully understand and address plastic pollution. They highlight art-science collaboration as a potentially valuable tool for building public awareness and monitoring societal responses to plastic contamination.
This chapter proposes and introduces the concept of plasticology - a new, genuinely interdisciplinary approach to the presence of synthetic materials in the environment. It is already commonly accepted that marine microplastics and nanoplastics must be studied considering their chemistry, physics, and surface structure, impact on biota, and ecotoxicity. However, social and human aspects have been less considered so far. To have a truly interdisciplinary approach to this pending problem, one must also include the mutual interaction between humans and plastics that reshaped life on Earth. The chapter concludes that through plasticology, plastics can be helpful in the long-term monitoring of particular social mechanisms and behaviour patterns. Moreover, the crucial role of social awareness and perception of the problem should not be neglected and can be facilitated through art and science collaboration. Finally, the chapter gives some examples of the potential of such collaboration.
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Plastic Humanities: Revaluing Humanistic Inquiry in the Plastic Age
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This humanities essay argued for the value of humanistic inquiry in addressing the environmental and cultural consequences of the 'Plastic Age,' proposing the concept of 'plastic humanities' as an interdisciplinary framework. The work makes the case that understanding plastics' social and cultural dimensions is essential alongside scientific approaches.
Plastic pollution research is lacking discussions on research philosophy: Inspiration from Critical Physical Geography to bridge the gap
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This commentary argues that plastic pollution research lacks philosophical reflection on epistemology and disciplinary assumptions, creating a divide between physical and social sciences that limits genuine interdisciplinarity. The author proposes using Critical Physical Geography as a bridge to foster more integrated, socially aware research on plastic pollution.
Next steps for research on society and microplastics
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This perspective paper assessed the contributions of social and behavioral sciences to microplastics research, covering policy analysis, public education, and stakeholder engagement. The authors argue for greater integration of social science methods to understand and reduce plastic pollution at the human systems level.
Plastiglomerates, Microplastics, Nanoplastics
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This essay explores the cultural and ecological meaning of plastic pollution through art and speculative design, examining how plastics have become embedded in every environment including the human body. It argues that understanding plastic as part of a 'dark ecology' is essential for rethinking our relationship with synthetic materials.
Transdisciplinary pragmatic melioration for the plastic life cycle: Why the social, natural, and technical sciences should prioritize reducing harm
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This review argues that solving the global plastic waste crisis requires a transdisciplinary approach integrating natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences focused on pragmatic harm reduction across the full plastic lifecycle, rather than siloed technical research that overlooks social contexts and systemic inequities in waste management.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.