Cadmium Toxicity in Aquatic Organisms: A Scientometric Review (Part 1 - Vertebrates and Invertebrates)

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecotoxicology
• Aquatic Biology

Background:

• Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic, bioaccumulative metal posing risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
• Anthropogenic activities lead to widespread cadmium distribution in aquatic environments.
• This study focuses on cadmium toxicity in aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scientometric review of global literature on cadmium toxicity in aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates.
• To identify publication trends, research hotspots, influential countries, and institutions.
• To analyze dominant research themes, model organisms, and study designs.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search in the Web of Science database (1945-2024).
• Analysis of 3,837 refined records focusing on aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates.
• Scientometric analysis of publication output, research themes, and study designs.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in scientific production on cadmium toxicity in recent decades.
• China leads in publication output and institutional influence.
• Key research themes include heavy metals, toxicity, oxidative stress, bioaccumulation.
• Fish (Danio rerio) and invertebrates (mollusks, crustaceans, Daphnia magna) are most studied.
• Laboratory-based experiments are the predominant study design.

Conclusions:

• Growing scientific concern regarding cadmium contamination and its biological effects.
• Current research focuses on toxicity mechanisms like oxidative stress and bioaccumulation.
• Future studies should prioritize integrated approaches and remediation strategies.