Sentiment mapping of microplastic awareness in educational environments

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.