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Global trends and prospects in microplastics research: A bibliometric analysis
Ying Zhang1, Shengyan Pu2, Xue Lv1
1State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology), 1#, Dongsanlu, Erxianqiao, Chengdu, 610059, Sichuan, PR China.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|June 24, 2020
Summary
Global microplastic research has surged since 2011, primarily from Western Europe. This study analyzes trends, hotspots like ecological toxicity, and potential human health risks from microplastic exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Microplastic pollution is a significant global environmental challenge.
- Understanding research progress and trends is crucial for addressing this issue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an in-depth statistical analysis of global microplastics research using bibliometrics and Altmetric data.
- To identify research progress, trends, and hotspots in the field of microplastics.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of the Web of Science Core Collection (1986–2019).
- Bibliometric and Altmetric data analysis to assess research output and impact.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in microplastics research publications observed since 2011.
- Research is dominated by Western Europe (UK, Netherlands, Belgium), with limited contribution from developing nations except China.
- Key research hotspots include ecological toxicity and human health risks, with a focus on marine systems and plankton.
Conclusions:
- Microplastics research is rapidly expanding, with identifiable geographical and thematic focuses.
- Potential human health impacts, particularly on the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, warrant further investigation.
- Future research should build upon current hotspots to guide effective mitigation strategies.
