PUBLIC AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION ON MICROPLASTICS POLLUTION AROUND LAGOS LAGOON
Koleayo Omoyajowo, Morufu Olalekan Raimi, Temitope Waleola, Oluwaseun E. Odipe, Amos Ogunyebi
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is now globally flagged as a foremost menace to livelihoods, biodiversity, and public health due the pervasive nature of plastic wastes, poor knowledge of its ecological impact and poor attitude towards sustainable waste management practices. Hence, this paper explores public awareness, knowledge, attitude and perception on Microplastic pollution and its ecological health implication through a survey data collected from residents, students, fishermen and local tourist around Lagos Lagoon, a significant area in Lagos. Findings revealed that though awareness on microplastics was apparently high (over 50%), however, public knowledge was fairly acceptable and poor perception on Microplastic pollution was observed. Respondents (with a mean attitude score of 3.40±1.485) generally shows a good attitude towards learning more on this subject and a shared commitment to support government through cleanup volunteering and advocacy. In light of this findings, this study recommends that government, academia and relevant stakeholders should intensify efforts to educate the public more on issues of public health importance through massive campaigns, learned community activities and strategies that may reinforce positive environmental attitude.