Global trends evolution and future research hotspots in microplastic pollution and removal in water: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Microplastic (MP) has emerged as a significant environmental challenge due to its pervasive presence in aquatic systems and potential risks to ecosystems and human health. This bibliometric study analyzes global research trends in MP pollution and removal using 1892 Scopus-indexed publications from 2011 to 2024, evaluated via VOSviewer. Results reveal significant publication growth, especially since 2016, with China leading in output and the U.S. and U.K. as major collaborators. Environmental science, chemistry, and engineering dominate this field, with Science of the Total Environment and Water Research as primary publication venues. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified five thematic clusters: wastewater treatment, microplastic degradation, pollution risk, advanced removal technologies, and adsorption-based methods. Emerging research hotspots include electrocoagulation, biochar-based adsorption, membrane filtration, and nature-based solutions such as constructed wetlands. The study also highlights increasing attention to nanoplastics (NPs) as a distinct emerging pollutant, as well as the need for standardized detection methods. This review offers a strategic roadmap for future research by identifying thematic gaps, key contributors, and cutting-edge methodologies. Through bridging bibliometric insights with environmental applications, this study supports policy development and technological innovations for effective MP mitigation.