Study on riverine microplastic pollution based on bibliometrics and visualisation analysis

This study addresses the understudied domain of riverine microplastic pollution through a bibliometric and visual analysis using VOSviewer. Main findings reveal exponential growth in research output, which can be chronologically divided into three distinct stages. Key research hotspots include urban river sediment analysis, abundance quantification, transport of nanoplastics, microfibre pollution, Raman spectroscopy detection, ecological risk assessment, and interactions with persistent organic pollutants. Furthermore, the study identifies leading journals, institutions, countries, and authors in the field. The significance of this article lies in its systematic mapping of the intellectual structure and evolution of the field, offering essential insights to guide future research, enhance collaboration, and mitigate riverine plastic pollution and its ecological impacts.