Assessment of Risk Perception on Microplastics Pollution in Drinking Water Sources

Abstract

Degradation of plastic debris in the marine environment has become a global issue. Microplastics may affect the human health and aquatic life. Therefore, a survey has been conducted on higher institutional students towards the risk perception of microplastics pollution in drinking water sources to increase awareness regarding microplastic pollution. On top of that this study aims to measure the level of risk perception and the relationship between risk perception, concern and behavioural intentions of the respondents towards microplastics pollution in drinking water sources. In this study, questionnaires are distributed through an online platform to conduct the survey involving 320 respondents. Analysis of independent t-test, ANOVA, correlation and multiple linear regression has been used to analyse the data. It shows that the factor gender does not influencing the risk perception, concern and behavioural intentions of the respondents on microplastics pollution in drinking water sources. The results show a positive correlation between each variable. However, multiple linear regression analysis shows that the behavioural intentions do not significantly affect the level of respondents’ risk perceptions.