We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Bibliometric analysis of nanoplastics in drinking water and policy implications
AI summary Read the abstract
This study reviewed 239 research articles on tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics in drinking water, published between 2018 and 2026. It found most research focuses on pollution and toxicity, while methods for detecting and removing nanoplastics remain understudied, and noted the absence of regulations addressing nanoplastics in drinking water.
Nanoplastics in aquatic environments represent an emerging class of contaminants due to their small size, high mobility, and ability to interact with pollutants and biological systems. Nanoplastics can interact with their surroundings through the adsorption and transport of organic pollutants and metal ions, the release of polymer additives, interactions with natural organic matter and biomolecules, aggregation with other particles, and interactions with biological membranes and cellular components. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of 239 research articles on nanoplastics in drinking water retrieved from the Web of Science, covering the period from 2018 to April 2026. The results reveal rapid growth in this field, accompanied by a clear thematic asymmetry: current research is dominated by environmental pollution and toxicological studies, while analytical methods, water treatment, and distribution systems remain underexplored. Research output is concentrated in high-impact Q1 and Q2 journals, with China, the USA, and Canada being the primary contributors. The findings indicate a temporal shift in focus from microplastics to nanoplastics, driven by advances in the understanding of fragmentation processes and environmental impacts. Future research should prioritise drinking water as a direct exposure pathway, emphasising the development of effective removal technologies, minimising the release of nanoplastics in distribution systems, and establishing reliable analytical methods for routine monitoring. In parallel, the absence of standardised regulations highlights the urgent need for legislative frameworks to define monitoring protocols, limit values, and risk assessment strategies for the presence of nanoplastics in drinking water. These findings have direct implications for regulatory development and water policy.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence, Fate, and Treatment of Micro/Nano Plastics in Drinking Water Sources
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the occurrence, fate, and treatment of micro- and nanoplastics in drinking water sources, covering how these particles enter water supplies and what treatment technologies exist to remove them. The authors note significant gaps in both detection methods and removal efficiency.
The invisible world of nanoplastics: bibliometric analysis on nanoplastics and study of their adsorption capacity
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to map the current state of nanoplastic research, focusing on their presence in the environment and ability to adsorb pollutants. They found that nanoplastics can carry and concentrate harmful substances due to their extremely small size and large surface area. The study identifies significant knowledge gaps in understanding how these tiny particles interact with ecosystems and potentially affect human health.
From nanoplastic to microplastic: A bibliometric analysis on the presence of plastic particles in the environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers performed a bibliometric analysis of 3,820 publications on nanoplastics and microplastics from Web of Science, finding substantial growth in publications since 2009 with the USA and China as top contributors, while identifying gaps in standardized methodology and definitions that complicate cross-study comparisons.
Critical gaps in nanoplastics research and their connection to risk assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper identifies critical knowledge gaps in nanoplastics research and explains why they matter for assessing health and environmental risks. Nanoplastics are harder to detect and measure than larger microplastics, meaning current pollution estimates likely undercount total plastic contamination. The authors call for better detection methods and standardized research approaches to understand the true scope of nanoplastic exposure.
Insights into Anthropogenic Micro- and Nanoplastic Accumulation in Drinking Water Sources and Their Potential Effects on Human Health
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the growing body of evidence on micro- and nanoplastic contamination in drinking water sources, including both tap water and bottled water intended for human consumption. Researchers summarize the potential health effects of exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, noting that current detection methods struggle with particles smaller than 10 micrometers. The study highlights the need for improved analytical tools and further research to fully understand the health implications of plastic particles in drinking water.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.