Understanding the Risks of Microplastics: A Social-Ecological Risk Perspective

Author: Kramm, J.; Völker, C.
Year of Publication: 2018
Published: Handbook of Environmental Chemistry. Springer Cham.

Abstract:
The diagnosis that we are living in a world risk society formulated by Ulrich Beck 20 years ago (Beck, Kölner Z Soziol Sozialpsychol 36:119–147, 1996) has lost nothing of its power, especially against the background of the Anthropocene debate. “Global risks” have been identified which are caused by human activities, technology, and modernization processes. Microplastics are a by-product of exactly these modernization processes, being distributed globally by physical processes like ocean currents, and causing effects far from their place of origin. In recent years, the topic has gained great prominence, as microplastics have been discovered nearly everywhere in the environment, raising questions about the impacts on food for human consumption. But are microplastics really a new phenomenon or rather a symptom of an old problem? And exactly what risks are involved? It seems that the phenomenon has accelerated political action—the USA has passed the Microbead-Free Waters Act 2015—and industries have pledged to fade out the use of microbeads in their cosmetic products. At first sight, is it a success for environmentalists and the protection of our planet?

This chapter deals with these questions by adopting a social-ecological perspective, discussing microplastics as a global risk. Taking four main characteristics of global risks, we develop four arguments to discuss (a) the everyday production of risk by societies, (b) scientific risk evaluation of microplastics, (c) social responses, and (d) problems of risk management. To illustrate these four issues, we draw on different aspects of the current scientific and public debate. In doing so, we contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the social-ecological implications of microplastics.

Keywords:
Global risk, Problem structuring, Risk assessment, Social ecology, Uncertainty

Citation:
Kramm, J.; Völker, C. (2018): Understanding the risks of microplastics. A social-ecological risk perspective. In: Wagner, M. and Lambert, S. (eds.): Freshwater microplastics: Emerging environmental contaminants? Handbook of Environmental Chemistry. Springer Cham.

Link:
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-61615-5_11

Editorial: (Micro)Plastics and the environment

Author: Martin Wagner, Magnus Engwall & Henner Hollert
Year of Publication: 2014
Published: Environmental Sciences Europe 26:16

Abstract:
(Micro)Plastics in the aquatic environment are an issue of emerging concern. However, to date, there is considerable lack of knowledge on the abundance and toxicity of plastic debris in aquatic ecosystems, especially with regard to the freshwater situation. In this editorial, we briefly discuss important aspects of the research on environmental (micro)plastics to stimulate research and call for papers.

Keywords:
Plastic, MicroplasticsToxicity, Abundance, Aquatic environment, Risk assessment

Citation:
Martin Wagner, Magnus Engwall & Henner Hollert (2014): Editorial: (Micro)Plastics and the environment. Environmental Sciences Europe 26:16

http://www.enveurope.com/content/26/1/16