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The Plasticene: Time and rocks.

Nelson Rangel-Buitrago1, William Neal2, Allan Williams3

  • 1Programas de Física y Biologia, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Plastics, invented in the early 20th century, are a ubiquitous synthetic polymer. Their excessive production and consumption mark a new geological epoch, the Plasticene, indicating their significant impact on the Anthropocene.

Keywords:
AnthropoceneDegradationNomenclaturePlasticenePlasticsPlastics cycle

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Geology

Background:

  • Plastics, synthetic organic polymers derived from formaldehyde and phenol, were invented in the early 20th century.
  • They have become integral to modern life, transforming the world with diverse applications.
  • Plastics are the third most manufactured material globally, highlighting their widespread societal integration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the historical development and societal impact of plastics.
  • To position plastics as a key indicator of the current geological epoch.
  • To introduce the concept of the 'Plasticene' as a subdivision of the Anthropocene.

Main Methods:

  • Historical review of plastic invention and development.
  • Analysis of production and consumption data.
  • Conceptual framework development linking plastic use to geological time.

Main Results:

  • Plastics have achieved dominance in the consumer marketplace, often deemed essential.
  • Excessive production and consumption characterize contemporary plastic use.
  • Plastics serve as a defining marker for the Anthropocene, specifically its upper subdivision.

Conclusions:

  • The pervasive nature of plastics signifies a critical phase in human history and planetary impact.
  • The term 'Plasticene' is proposed to denote this era defined by synthetic polymer dominance.
  • Understanding plastics' role is crucial for defining the Anthropocene's characteristics.