Global research trends on the links between disinfection by-products and cancer: mapping knowledge landscapes and...

Although disinfection has been successful in ensuring microbiological safety, there are growing concerns regarding the potential carcinogenic effects linked to exposure to disinfection by-products (DBPs). Research on the formation, toxicity, and prevalence of DBPs is still limited for many compounds. Consequently, this study seeks to utilize bibliometric analysis of literature on the associations between DBPs and cancer to elucidate the current research landscape and highlight areas of focus for future studies. A total of 1,045 publications were identified through an extensive search of the Scopus database spanning the years 1976-2023. The United States led with 345 publications (33.0%), followed by China with 236 publications (22.6%) and Canada with 69 publications (6.6%). The identified hot topics were categorized into three clusters: (i) mechanisms of DBPs formation resulting from the use of various disinfectants to treat water contaminated with emerging pollutants; (ii) the identification of different types of cancers associated with DBPs; and (iii) research on the genotoxicity and toxicity evaluation associated with DBPs. It would be wise to develop interdisciplinary research within international horizons. Moreover, the drinking and wastewater treatment standards need revision to include DBP limits.