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Scientometric analysis and identification of research trends in microplastic research for 2011–2019

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Abstract

Microplastic pollution of our environment has seen major data reporting in the last decade. Microplastics produce harmful effects on marine organisms and in humans. Despite the fact that microplastics (MPs) have inert or sublethal toxicity in many circumstances, their long-term presence can have negative ecological consequences. However, there is a paucity of comprehensive literature on the present study and future development trend of MPs in aquatic ecosystems, to our knowledge. In this scientometric study, the literature was evaluated between years 2011 and 2019. The data show increasing importance of microplastics in terms of increase in publication in concurrence of granting funds in this area by major funding agencies. Most research articles were published by authors (~ 49%) affiliated with Chinese Academy of Sciences. Journals ‘Marine Pollution Bulletin’ and ‘Environmental Pollution’ were identified as important journals with 273 and 185 research publications, respectively. We have also identified the upcoming research trend and shift from microplastic presence in water to microplastic presence in air. However, in the year 2017, researchers from the UK started publishing more articles in this field with 11 publications with top authors affiliated to University of Plymouth. The journal Environmental Pollution has been found to be the leading journal (~ 20%) addressing the issue of microplastics in the environment. Our co-authorship analysis demonstrated that China (its institutions and authors) is the most collaborative country followed by the USA, together forming top cluster with a link strength of 42. Finally, our analysis provides information about prospective research and emerging trends that can be explored in the coming years.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Bajhol, Solan, 173212, India

    Deepika Sharma, Shreya Jaiswal & Gurjot Kaur

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  1. Deepika Sharma
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  2. Shreya Jaiswal
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  3. Gurjot Kaur
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Contributions

Gurjot Kaur conceptualized the study. Gurjot Kaur collected the data. Deepika Sharma and Shreya Jaiswal equally contributed to this study by analysing the data and scientific literature and producing the final figures and tables. Deepika Sharma and Gurjot Kaur wrote the first draft together. Gurjot Kaur edited and refined the final draft.

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Correspondence to Gurjot Kaur.

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Sharma, D., Jaiswal, S. & Kaur, G. Scientometric analysis and identification of research trends in microplastic research for 2011–2019. Environ Sci Pollut Res 29, 84312–84324 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-20872-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-20872-0

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