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

Author

Listed:
  • Sara Righi

    (Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy)

  • Elisa Bergami

    (Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
    NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy)

  • Roberto Simonini

    (Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy)

  • Daniela Prevedelli

    (Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy)

Abstract

Although micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) represent one of the main environmental emergencies worldwide, citizens are not always aware of their active role in contributing to such contamination. In this study, the perception, level of knowledge, and behaviours towards MNPs were assessed in young citizens in Modena (Italy), represented by science-oriented Bachelor’s students (n = 220) enrolled at the university, through the administration of a voluntary-based questionnaire. No differences in knowledge and in students’ attitudes were observed according to gender and the undergraduate program. Students seem to be aware of MNPs’ global distribution and effects on ecosystems but were less advised about MNP types and their potential effects on human health. A positive correlation between the students’ level of concern and their knowledge or their behaviour was found. Differently, no correlation between students’ knowledge and behaviour towards plastic and MNP contamination was observed. Thus, having a good knowledge of the issue does not always translate into effective actions planned to mitigate the problem. As a first step forward, more environmental education programs should be promoted to increase knowledge and awareness in young citizen as well as pro-environmental behaviours to pursue future mitigation strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Righi & Elisa Bergami & Roberto Simonini & Daniela Prevedelli, 2024. "Level of Awareness and Attitudes towards Plastic Contamination by Students of an Italian University," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-15, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:11:p:4637-:d:1405191
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gratiela Dana Boca & Sinan Saraçli, 2023. "Effects of Romanian Student’s Awareness and Needs Regarding Plastic Waste Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-21, April.
    2. Shampa Ghosh & Jitendra Kumar Sinha & Soumya Ghosh & Kshitij Vashisth & Sungsoo Han & Rakesh Bhaskar, 2023. "Microplastics as an Emerging Threat to the Global Environment and Human Health," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-17, July.
    3. Niklas Gericke & Jelle Boeve‐de Pauw & Teresa Berglund & Daniel Olsson, 2019. "The Sustainability Consciousness Questionnaire: The theoretical development and empirical validation of an evaluation instrument for stakeholders working with sustainable development," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 27(1), pages 35-49, January.
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