Polymeric Materials in the Anthropocene: Environmental Accumulation, Human Health Concerns, and Cultural Response

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This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 03 | Page :
    By

    Vandita Sharma,

  • Nitu Sehrawat,

  • Rupali Pandey,

  • Manisha Verma,

  • Nisha Malhotra,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Applied Science, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, New Delhi, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Applied Science, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, New Delhi, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Science, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, New Delhi, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Sciences, GL Bajaj Institute of Technology & Management, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Information & Technology, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, New Delhi, India

Abstract

Polymers made via conventional techniques are very useful because of their strength, adaptability, and cheap. Plastics are not degradable naturally, which creates lots of environmental issues. As plastic products degrade over time, they decompose into microplastics which enter the environment. These microscopic particles called microplastics have been identified in agricultural soils, freshwater and marine environments, and atmospheric dust, enabling their continuous movement through ecosystems and food webs. Recent research shows high concentrations of traces of microplastics in human biological systems. Non- degradability of polymer in environment leads to plastic pollution. Some good alternatives like bioplastics are introduced to replace this pollution of the environment by using engineering techniques. Literary and cultural studies contribute an essential analytical aspect by viewing plastics as cultural symbols of disposability, ecological disengagement. This work integrates EIA, microplastic behavior analysis, and emerging bioplastic innovations to provide a vast understanding of polymer diffusion. Recent research on microalgae-based biodegradable plastic has been examined as sustainable alternatives, which suggests that effective solutions of polymer-related problems require a combination of technological innovation and regulatory frameworks.

Keywords: Polymers, Microplastics, Environmental Degradation, Human Health Impacts, Environmental Degradation, Soil Pollution, Bioplastics, Microalgae

How to cite this article:
Vandita Sharma, Nitu Sehrawat, Rupali Pandey, Manisha Verma, Nisha Malhotra. Polymeric Materials in the Anthropocene: Environmental Accumulation, Human Health Concerns, and Cultural Response. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):-.
How to cite this URL:
Vandita Sharma, Nitu Sehrawat, Rupali Pandey, Manisha Verma, Nisha Malhotra. Polymeric Materials in the Anthropocene: Environmental Accumulation, Human Health Concerns, and Cultural Response. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=246780


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
03
Received 30/01/2026
Accepted 25/05/2026
Published 16/06/2026
Publication Time 137 Days
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