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Sentiment mapping of microplastic awareness in educational environments

Polímeros 2025 1 citation

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Researchers surveyed 96 participants from diverse educational backgrounds in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to assess public perceptions and awareness of microplastic pollution. Using sentiment analysis, hierarchical clustering, and machine learning techniques, the study found varying levels of understanding about microplastic environmental and health impacts across different educational settings.

Abstract Microplastic pollution poses a significant environmental and health challenge due to its persistence and pervasive distribution across ecosystems. This study investigates public perceptions of microplastics, focusing on their environmental and health impacts, through semi-structured interviews with 96 participants from diverse educational backgrounds in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sentiment analysis, hierarchical clustering, and machine learning techniques were employed to analyze the data. Participants ' educational levels and interview locations influenced substantial variability in awareness and attitudes towards microplastics. Academic groups, particularly those specialized in environmental sciences, expressed higher concerns than less specialized or non-academic groups. Sentiment analysis indicated a predominance of neutral to mildly positive sentiments, with 36 distinct clusters identified. The study highlights the need for targeted educational interventions to bridge knowledge gaps and promote pro-environmental behaviors. The results underscore the role of academic background in shaping public perceptions, suggesting tailored communication strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution.

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