Assessment of Economic, Social, and Perceptual Impacts of Soil Pollution by Microplastic Particles (MPs) in Romania

Abstract

Microplastic particles (MPs) pose significant risks to human health and environmental sustainability, particularly in soil ecosystems. However, research on MPs remains limited, especially in Romania, where no specific studies exist on the economic costs, social problems, or environmental effects of soil pollution caused by MPs. To address this gap, we conducted an online survey between May and December 2022, targeting Romanian respondents from urban and rural areas. We aimed to assess three key areas: (Q1) the economic burden of mitigating soil pollution caused by MPs, (Q2) social problems generated by MPs in soil, and (Q3) the probability of being negatively affected by these social issues. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed high perceived costs associated with addressing MPs in soil (mean: 5.17 for Q1), significant concerns regarding social problems (mean: 5.01 for Q2), and a high probability of being affected by these social issues (mean: 4.69 for Q3). Strong positive correlations (Q1-Q2: r = 0.933, p = 0.002; Q1-Q3: r = 0.861, p = 0.013; Q2-Q3: r = 0.971, p < 0.001) highlight the interrelation of economic, social concerns, and adverse effects. The novelty of these findings lies in their focus on Romania, where MPs in soil have not been previously explored, illustrating the incongruence between scientific knowledge, media framing, and public opinion concerning the risks posed by MPs. Findings underscore the urgent need for policy interventions that consider both environmental and social factors in tackling soil pollution by MPs and highlight the importance of raising public awareness to protect future generations.