Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

Level of Awareness and Attitudes towards Plastic Contamination by Students of an Italian University

A survey of 220 Italian university students found significant gaps in awareness about micro- and nanoplastic contamination, with many not connecting everyday behaviors to plastic pollution despite science-oriented backgrounds.

2024 Sustainability 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Bridging the gap between microplastic research and social awareness of microplastic pollution through science communication: A call for action

Researchers examined the gap between scientific knowledge of microplastic pollution and public awareness, calling for improved science communication strategies. The study found that despite an enormous body of research documenting microplastics in soil, water, air, and organisms, effective translation of these findings into public understanding and policy action remains inadequate.

2024 Aquademia 3 citations
Article Tier 2

A Preliminary Survey on Knowledge and Attitudes of University Students Regarding Microplastic Pollution and Its Impact on the Environment

A cross-sectional survey of university students found moderate knowledge and attitudes toward microplastic pollution, with no significant variation by age, gender, academic performance, or field of study. The findings suggest that structured education and media engagement are needed to improve microplastic literacy among young people who will shape future demand for plastic alternatives.

2023 Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2021 Scientific Reports 29 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2020 Marine Pollution Bulletin 293 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2021 PubMed 26 citations
Article Tier 2

ОЦЕНКА ИНФОРМИРОВАННОСТИ СТУДЕНТОВ О ВРЕДЕ МИКРОПЛАСТИКА НА ОРГАНИЗМ ЧЕЛОВЕКА

A survey of medical university students in Kazakhstan found that despite daily exposure to microplastics through food delivery packaging and other sources, most students had limited awareness of the health risks. The study highlights a significant knowledge gap that could hinder personal and public health responses to microplastic exposure.

2023 Ġylym men densaulyķ saķtau.
Systematic Review Tier 1

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.

2024 Discover Oceans 4 citations
Article Tier 2

From 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.

2025 Urban Science
Article Tier 2

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.

2025 Environmental Health Engineering and Management
Article Tier 2

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.

2022 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Journal of Engineering Sciences and Innovation
Article Tier 2

Analysis of public awareness and perception of microplastic particles in Roumania

A survey study assessed public awareness and perception of microplastic pollution among the Romanian population, finding significant gaps in knowledge about MP sources, health effects, and environmental fate, with educational level and geographic factors influencing awareness levels.

2025 Revue Roumaine de Chimie
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Journal of Geoscience Education 5 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2023 Bulletin of Science and Practice 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics—How and What Do University Students Know about the Emerging Environmental Sustainability Issue?

A survey of nearly 400 university students in seven Czech universities found varied levels of knowledge about microplastics, with students largely relying on media rather than educational sources. The study highlights the need to integrate environmental literacy about emerging issues like microplastics into higher education.

2020 Sustainability 22 citations
Article Tier 2

What does the public think about microplastics? Insights from an empirical analysis of mental models elicited through free associations

Researchers surveyed 2,720 Norwegians and found that the public primarily associates microplastics with ocean pollution and harm to animals, while awareness of microplastic sources and potential solutions remains low, with responses varying by age, gender, education, and personal values.

2022 Frontiers in Psychology 31 citations
Article Tier 2

Bridging the knowledge gap-microplastics in focus: assessing microplastic pollution awareness among medical students

Researchers surveyed 474 medical students at Pamukkale University to assess their awareness of microplastic pollution. The study found moderate to high awareness overall, with female students and those who had prior knowledge of microplastics scoring higher. Social media was the most common information source, and the study suggests targeted educational programs are needed to close gaps in understanding microplastic health impacts among future healthcare professionals.

2024 International Journal of Environmental Health Research 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Perception of water pollution among Malaysian university students: A case study

This Malaysian university survey found that students had moderate awareness of water pollution but limited understanding of its causes and consequences. Better environmental education about water pollution sources — including microplastics — is needed to build the informed citizenry required for effective pollution prevention.

2023 Sustainable Social Development 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Public Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude and Perception on Microplastics Pollution Around Lagos Lagoon

Researchers surveyed public awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding microplastic pollution around Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria, finding significant gaps in understanding among residents, students, and fishermen about microplastic health and ecological risks.

2022 Ecological Safety and Balanced Use of Resources 36 citations
Article Tier 2

Exploring public risk perceptions of microplastics: Findings from a cross‐national qualitative interview study among German and Italian citizens

Researchers conducted interviews with citizens in Germany and Italy to understand how ordinary people think about the risks of microplastics. They found that people often transferred their knowledge about large plastic pollution to microplastics, used concepts like accumulation and dose-response to reason about risks, and saw environmental and human health threats as closely connected. The study suggests that public risk perceptions of microplastics are shaped by intuitive reasoning and personal experiences rather than formal scientific knowledge.

2023 Risk Analysis 24 citations
Article Tier 2

Perception of the Academic Community of the Federal University of São Paulo - Campus Baixada Santista on the degradation of the marine environment due to the presence of microplastics

Researchers surveyed the academic community at the Federal University of Sao Paulo - Baixada Santista campus to assess awareness of marine microplastic pollution from personal care products and synthetic clothing washing, stratified by socioeconomic factors. The study used a 15-question questionnaire across all occupational categories to evaluate perception of microplastic sources and their risks to marine ecosystems and human health.

2022 LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas)
Article Tier 2

Public Health Knowledge and Perception of Microplastics Pollution: Lessons from the Lagos Lagoon

A survey of public knowledge and perceptions about microplastic pollution in Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria found widespread awareness of plastic pollution but limited understanding of microplastics specifically, highlighting the need for targeted public health education.

2021 Research Square (Research Square) 17 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastic in Food and Water: Current Knowledge and Awareness of Consumers

This study surveyed 410 highly educated young consumers and found that while awareness of microplastics in food and water is growing, significant knowledge gaps remain about contamination sources, exposure levels, and associated health risks.

2022 Nutrients 34 citations