A bibliometric analysis of water footprint in China and abroad: research hotspots and frontiers

The water footprint (WF) serves as a vital tool for quantifying human water resource consumption and is extensively utilized for water allocation analysis and management. This study employs CiteSpace to visualize literature from the Web of Science and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure from 2000 to 2023. Initially, quantitative analysis was used to find out the characteristics of the WF. Subsequently, keyword analysis was used to elucidate the similarities, differences, and temporal and spatial changes in domestic and foreign research hotspots. Moreover, the co-cited literature networks help to explore the research frontiers in the WF field systematically. China and foreign countries generally share common research themes, each maintaining distinct research characteristics. Specifically, the research results show that: (1) Chinese researchers keep up with the pace of international research, and the research results in the field of WF are updated quickly; (2) environmental impact, water–food–energy nexus, and gray WF have attracted attention globally. The international research focus is on the renewal of WF methodology. In contrast, Chinese researchers are more inclined to use methods on water-saving strategies and driving factors. (3) The research frontier mainly focuses on the updating of WF assessment methods and sustainable water use.