Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

3.17 - Microplastics Research: Beyond Fear-Mongering, Towards Trustworthy Science

Description

Keywords: One Health, Plastics (Micro- or Nano-), Science Communication

The field of micro- and nanoplastic research (MNP) is crucial for understanding environmental and human health, but it faces significant challenges to its credibility and public trust. These challenges highlight the conference theme, "Embrace the Outlier," urging us to address unexpected issues in scientific practice. This session will critically examine how current research and communication approaches can be improved upon.

One emerging concern is characterization error, where non-plastic biological or environmental matrices are erroneously reported as plastic. This "outlier" data, if unchecked, inflates exposure estimates and misdirects public perceptions of how plastic pollution relates to human health. We'll explore other technical pitfalls like sampling biases, analytical limitations, and inadequate quality control, emphasizing examples of alternative methods.

This session will also address the broader issue of how we communicate about plastics. While MNP environmental accumulation is a genuine concern, the field often defaults to sensationalized imagery and language that demonizes the material. This "doom and gloom" perception overlooks plastics' indispensable societal roles. Such consistently negative framing breeds public panic and limits collaboration by vilifying industries and individuals instead of empowering collective action. We'll discuss fostering a more balanced narrative that acknowledges both environmental challenges and societal benefits, ensuring negative associations are made only when scientifically demonstrated.

This session invites researchers, policymakers, and communicators to "embrace the outlier" by confronting uncomfortable truths about MNP research. Through candid discussion and presentations, we aim to:
• Identify common sources of analytical error and misidentification in MNP analysis.
• Propose best practices for and examples of rigorous experimental design, sample preparation, and data interpretation to enhance data reliability.
• Explore ethical considerations in scientific communication, advocating for transparency, accuracy, and balanced perspectives.
• Foster dialogue on how to rebuild and maintain public trust in MNP science, ensuring robust and responsibly conveyed findings.

By addressing these critical "outlier" issues head-on, this session seeks to elevate the quality and trustworthiness of micro- and nanoplastic research, paving the way for more effective, science-driven solutions to plastic pollution.

Chairs

Charles Rolsky Shaw Institute United States
James Brown Shaw Institute United States
Dusan Materic Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research Germany