Exploring public risk perception and its impact on the acceptance of basic oxygen furnace slags used in artificial reefs

Abstract

The issue of sea desertification has gradually emerged, and some scientists believe that it is caused by a decrease in the concentration of iron ions in seawater. Based on practical experience in Japan and South Korea, it has been found that the components of calcium, iron, phosphorus, and silicon in slag (Basic oxygen furnace slag, BOF slag) can provide nutrients needed for algae growth. Making artificial reefs from slag can be beneficial for raising overall marine productivity. The annual output of slag in Taiwan is about 1.6 million tons. In line with the circular economy policy, utilizing slag in artificial reefs to improve the marine environment is being promoted, which also achieves policy objectives. This study investigates the concept of risk perception on public acceptance of the policy to transfer slag into artificial reef construction. Finally, the research suggests that by utilizing scientific communication to enhance knowledge transfer, and leveraging mainstream and emerging social media as channels of communication between the public and decision-makers, citizen participation and information disclosure can be promoted, which would be beneficial for public acceptance of utilizing slag in the marine environment.