Exploring expert perceptions about microplastics: From sources to potential solutions

Concern about plastic pollution, including microplastics, is high amongst European citizens, and effective actionsare needed to reduce microplastic pollution. However, there is still uncertainty and debate about the major sources,impacts, and in particular the solutions. The aim of the current study was to gather expert perceptions about therisks of different microplastic sources to the natural environment and human health (measured as the likelihood andseverity of negative impacts resulting from exposure), as well as the feasibility and effectiveness of different solutions.Experts were identified as scientists working on plastic. Usable responses were received from 73 experts with an aver-age of 5 years’ experience in plastic research. Experts thought that there was currently stronger evidence for micro-plastic impacts on the natural environment than on human health, that, accordingly, the risks were higher, and theywere more worried about impacts on the natural environment than on human health. Experts perceived tyre particlesand textile fibres to be the main sources of microplastics presenting risk for both natural environment and humanhealth. Various solutions were rated as relatively effective and feasible overall. Solutions that were rated as above-average in terms of effectiveness and feasibility included education and awareness programmes, washing machinefilters, bans of plastic items, simplified design of products, and circular economy approaches. However, experts wereuncertain about the effectiveness and feasibility of recovery and clean-up solutions, with overall ratings for thesebeing below-average in comparison to other solutions earlier in the plastic life cycle. An improved understanding ofexpert views on these matters could inform the distribution of limited research resources and help prioritise researchquestions, especially with regard to potential solutions and interventions which will be critical for the success of theUN Plastics Treaty.