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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Bridging the gap between microplastic research and social awareness of microplastic pollution through science communication: A call for action
ClearFrom Ocean to Table: How Public Awareness Shapes the Fight Against Microplastic Pollution
This literature review synthesized global studies on public awareness of microplastic pollution, finding that while scientific knowledge has expanded significantly, public understanding and behavioral change remain limited. The study identified effective communication strategies and policy approaches to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and public action.
Marine microplastic pollution & misinformation in the public sphere: a systematic review
This systematic review examines how scientific findings about marine microplastic pollution are communicated to the public, identifying gaps where misinformation can take hold. Accurate public understanding of microplastic risks matters because it drives consumer choices and policy decisions that affect human health protection.
Conceptions of university students on microplastics in Germany
Researchers surveyed German university students to capture their conceptions and misconceptions about microplastics, finding significant gaps between scientific knowledge and public understanding. The findings provide a basis for improving science communication and educational strategies around microplastic pollution.
The Effects of Microplastics and the Urgency of Further Scientific Research
This review examines the sources and environmental impacts of microplastics, noting that 300 million tons of plastics are produced annually with about 5 million tons released as microplastics, and argues that significant research gaps remain — including low public awareness — that make urgent further scientific investigation necessary.
Making sense of microplastics? Public understandings of plastic pollution
Researchers conducted focus groups to explore public understanding of microplastics and plastic pollution. Most participants were unaware of microplastics, and few connected their personal plastic use to ocean pollution, instead associating the issue with distant images like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The study suggests that the invisible scale of microplastics, limited scientific understanding, and deeply embedded cultural habits around plastic use present significant barriers to behavior change.
Navigating spaces between conservation research and practice: Are we making progress?
This review examined progress in bridging the gap between conservation research and conservation practice over a decade, finding persistent mismatches remain between scientific findings and field implementation. While not directly about microplastics, this methodological discussion is relevant to applying research on plastic pollution impacts to real-world policy and management decisions.
Uncertainty about the risks associated with microplastics among lay and topic-experienced respondents
Researchers surveyed 1,681 respondents globally and found significant uncertainty about microplastic health risks not only among the general public but also among scientists who study plastics, reflecting the genuine knowledge gaps in current research on microplastic hazards.
Exploring the microplastics health impacts risk perception in Iranian people: Challenges and improvement strategies
Researchers surveyed Iranians to assess their awareness and risk perception of microplastic health hazards, finding significant gaps in public understanding despite growing environmental contamination. The study proposes strategies spanning individual behavior, community education, and national policy to improve microplastic risk management.
Identifying Knowledge Gaps and Research Needs in Microplastic Pollution Research
This review identifies knowledge gaps and research needs in microplastic pollution science, noting ubiquitous detection of microplastics in environmental compartments globally and highlighting unresolved questions about urban-to-rural transport, ecotoxicological effects, and effective mitigation strategies.
Next steps for research on society and microplastics
This perspective paper outlined priority directions for social and behavioral science research on microplastics, building on the established contributions of social sciences to understanding policy, stakeholder views, and public behavior around plastic pollution. The authors called for greater integration of social science methods to address governance gaps and support effective microplastic management.
A survey on knowledge and awareness on the issue "microplastics": a pilot study on a sample of future public health professionals.
This pilot survey of future public health professionals revealed limited knowledge about microplastic pollution, highlighting the need for better education so that health workers can effectively communicate microplastic risks to the general population.
The degree of awareness of the risk of microplastic particles/people’s perception in taking preventive measures for this type of risk
This study surveyed public awareness of microplastic risks and perceptions around taking protective measures, finding that knowledge levels were variable and that most people had limited understanding of exposure routes and health implications. The authors call for targeted public communication campaigns to increase risk awareness.
Public knowledge of microplastics for pro-environmental behavior
Researchers analyzed public knowledge of microplastics and its relationship to pro-environmental behavior, finding that because microplastics are invisible to the naked eye, public perception depends entirely on external information sources rather than direct experience, with implications for environmental communication strategies.
Microplastic pollution - what have we learned from the last 20 years of research and what are the priorities ahead?
This paper reviewed 20 years of microplastic research since the foundational 2004 study, summarizing what has been learned about sources, distribution, ecological impacts, and remaining knowledge gaps. The review emphasizes that while understanding has grown dramatically, key questions about dose-response relationships and long-term ecological effects remain unresolved.
Increasing knowledge and awareness of microplastic pollution in United States middle school students in a hybrid-classroom setting through science education
Researchers assessed microplastic pollution knowledge and awareness among middle school students in the United States, finding significant gaps in understanding of microplastic sources, pathways, and human health implications. The study highlights an educational opportunity and suggests targeted curriculum integration could improve scientific literacy around plastic pollution in younger generations.
Internet User Awareness Assessment on the Impact of Microplastics on Health
A survey of 281 internet users aged 15–50 across diverse demographics assessed public awareness of microplastic health risks. Results revealed significant gaps in understanding — most respondents had heard of microplastics but underestimated their prevalence in food and water and were unaware of specific health effects. The study highlights that public health messaging about microplastics lags well behind the scientific evidence, which matters because consumer behaviour and policy support both depend on informed public understanding.
Next steps for research on society and microplastics
This perspective paper assessed the contributions of social and behavioral sciences to microplastics research, covering policy analysis, public education, and stakeholder engagement. The authors argue for greater integration of social science methods to understand and reduce plastic pollution at the human systems level.
From Awareness to Action: A Critical Review of Public Knowledge and Behavioral Gaps in Addressing Plastic Pollution
This review examined why high public awareness of plastic pollution has not led to meaningful action. Researchers found that people tend to focus on visible pollution like bottles and bags while overlooking less obvious sources such as microplastics from clothing and tires. The study concludes that bridging the awareness-to-action gap requires strategies that address specific behavioral barriers including convenience, cost, and distrust in recycling systems.
Plastic pollution: Where are we regarding research and risk assessment in support of management and regulation?
This review assessed the current state of microplastic research and risk assessment, concluding that more exposure-response studies using standardized methods and material-specific metrics are needed to support effective management and regulation of plastic pollution.
Microplastic pollution - what have we learned from the last 20 years of research and what are the priorities ahead?
This paper reviewed two decades of microplastic research progress, from the 2004 discovery paper through current knowledge on sources, environmental distribution, and effects. Key findings are that the field has matured substantially, though standardized methodologies and long-term health impact data are still needed.
From Awareness to Action: A Critical Review of Public Knowledge and Behavioral Gaps in Addressing Plastic Pollution
This review examined why public awareness of plastic pollution has not translated into meaningful behavioral change. The study found that most people focus on visible plastic waste like bottles and bags but have limited understanding of sources like microplastics from clothing and tires, with key barriers to action including convenience, cost, social norms, and distrust in recycling systems.
Addressing the microplastic crisis: A multifaceted approach to removal and regulation
Researchers reviewed the growing crisis of microplastic pollution and concluded that no single solution is sufficient — effective action requires combining better wastewater treatment, biodegradable plastic alternatives, stricter regulations, public education, and new detection technologies. They identified major knowledge gaps in understanding the full health and ecological impacts, underscoring the need for global cooperation.
Microplastic Pollution: Exploring the Role of Social Class on Awareness, and Exposure
Researchers examined the relationship between social class and awareness of microplastic pollution through qualitative methods, literature reviews, and interviews. They found that socioeconomic status alone does not fully explain variations in public understanding, with factors like access to credible information, environmental education quality, and community norms playing equally significant roles. The study recommends a multidimensional approach combining improved public education, policy reforms, and community participation to address microplastic pollution across different social groups.
Microplastics: addressing ecological risk through lessons learned
Researchers reviewed the current state of microplastic ecological risk assessment and proposed applying lessons learned from more established fields of environmental research. The study suggests that despite widespread concern about microplastic pollution, scientific understanding of actual ecological risk remains limited, and future research should follow more rigorous risk assessment frameworks.