Analyzing Research Trends in Microplastic Toxicity: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Review
Keywords:
Microplastics, Toxicity, Bibliometric Analysis, Environmental PollutionAbstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants that pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health. The study of microplastic toxicity has gained considerable attention over the past decade, with a growing body of research exploring their distribution, toxicological effects, and interactions with other pollutants. The primary objective of this bibliometric study is to identify and analyze research trends in microplastic toxicity from 2012 to 2025 using Scopus data. This analysis aims to provide insights into the evolution of research focus, key contributors, and emerging themes in this critical area of environmental science. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted using Scopus database data covering publications from 2012 to 2025. Tools such as VOSviewer were employed for performance evaluation and science mapping. The analysis of 5563 publications revealed a significant upward trend in annual research output on microplastic toxicity. There has been a notable increase in publications on microplastic toxicity, reflecting heightened scientific interest and awareness. China emerged as a leading contributor to this research area, followed by the United States and India. Early research primarily focused on identifying and distributing microplastics, while recent studies have shifted towards understanding their toxicological effects, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, and interactions with other pollutants. Science of the Total Environment and Journal of Hazardous Materials were identified as the most productive journals in this field, publishing a significant proportion of relevant articles.
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