Researching Public Perceptions: A Look at Microplastic Pollution in the Narragansett Bay

By Kéa Anderson

A SIMCoast Undergraduate Experience, Summer 2026

Kéa Anderson conducting an intercept survey at Beavertail State Park, RI with two coastal recreators.

On the sea wall that surrounds Brenton Point State Park, on the southern coast of Aquidneck Island, a man fumes about the detriments of Rhode Island’s environmental organizations. He accuses non-profits of ruining commercial fisheries and destroying community wellbeing. Flourishing an oyster shucking knife in dramatic gestures, his intense tirade causes my colleague and me to back slowly away, all the while smiling and nodding along. 

Kéa Anderson (left) and Katrina Vickery (right) surveying in the early morning in Jamestown, RI.

He was just one of the many coastal recreators, visitors, and recreational fishers I conversed with this summer across the Narragansett Bay. Through the 2026 URI Plastics Initiative Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF REU), I had the opportunity to explore the social science side of SIMCoast microplastics research alongside PhD student Katrina Vickery in Dr. Emily Diamond's research lab. 

The nature of our research requires us to listen and respond without bias to every individual we speak with in the field, regardless of our opinions or beliefs. “Thank you for sharing that with us,” we say. “Enjoy the rest of your day.” With just over a 50% response rate, we approached more than 300 individuals and surveyed 183, each interaction unique and memorable.

The goal of our research was to understand public perceptions of microplastic pollution in the Narragansett Bay and local rivers. Microplastic pollution is an increasingly prevalent threat, with  minimal research available on the public’s awareness of the issue. By assessing how relevant microplastics are in the everyday lives of the public and the relationship between everyday relevance, sources of information, and plastic consumption behaviors, we begin to fill this gap. These findings will be used to better inform the public’s understanding of microplastics, address concerns, and make pollution-reducing behaviors more accessible and impactful. 

Scup caught during an intercept survey at Newton Ave fishing spot on Narragansett Bay, RI.

Although the analysis focuses on the data as a whole, I find myself thinking more about the individual surveys I conducted and the different characters I met. As a rising senior in my undergraduate degree, this summer was my first experience with social science research. The concept that gathering different opinions and perspectives is science changed my perception of day-to-day conversations with strangers. Each survey I conducted was a window into someone’s life—their habits, families, lifestyles, pastimes, ambitions, and fears. Each person was not just a data point, but a wealth of knowledge that informed my own understanding of how environmental issues impact our communities. I spoke with doctors and nurses who worry that the diseases they treat may be affected by the presence of microplastics in the human body. I listened to cancer survivors who consciously work to avoid plastic for fear of further health complications. Vacationers explained how plastic consumption and disposal methods differ across continents. Fishermen voiced their concerns of a declining fish population due to microplastics polluting the oceans and killing marine organisms. 

Fisherman setting off in a sea kayak at Fort Wetherill State Park, RI.

The vast majority of interviewees were concerned about microplastics and supportive of our research. Many people expressed a desire for solutions to this widespread pollution. Several declared that they would change their behaviors and plastic consumption habits if they could access comprehensive information on what to purchase and how to dispose of it. However, I believe I learned more from those individuals who denied microplastics as a problem or a concern, and who were less engaged with our objectives. I was forced to conclude one survey prematurely when a fisherman, upon being asked, “How serious of a harm do you think microplastics are to the economy,” accused me of asking him trick questions and yelled, “Get out of here!” Some took a defensive track and believed that asking about microplastics was similar to asking about politics. Others claimed that there was “no point” in changing their behaviors because plastics aren't going away anytime soon. 

These interactions demonstrated that there is a distinct disconnect between scientific knowledge and public understanding and trust. There is something lost in translation when research findings are communicated to a general audience. This fact was made clearer with each survey I conducted that ended in confusion, anger, fear, and futility. From each survey that felt "unsuccessful," I found myself more motivated to understand how people perceive these complicated issues, in order to better address concerns and inform behaviors.

The knife wielding man on the sea wall of Brenton Point State Park is not simply an anecdote. He is an important constituent of an audience to whom we must be able to effectively communicate scientific information. Learning what he believes academics and environmental organizations do is a critical step towards redefining public perceptions of research and scientific communication. With an issue as ubiquitous and obscure as microplastic pollution, it is crucial that we be able to inform our diverse communities on how to avoid personal exposure and reduce environmental risk. This requires insight from all people and effort from all scientists, and my experience this summer instilled a great feeling of hope that this collaboration is not only possible, but well within reach.