A Systematic Review of Microplastics Perception and Its Factors: Implications on SDGs

The paper presents a systematic review of how microplastics perception studies are conducted across the globe with their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implications. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed 70 research articles and analyzed them by geographical location, research methods, factors influencing microplastic perception, and their implications for the SDGs. Microplastics are strongly associated with marine litter and plastic pollution, given their interconnectedness. Methodologically, around 70 % of research is based on primary data sources, particularly surveys (e.g., questionnaires, online surveys, telephone surveys). Social factors such as education and gender are the most significant factors shaping microplastics perception. The SDG implications remain largely undocumented while some studies underscore sustainability challenges posed by microplastics.