We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Integration of the Microplastics Value Chain With Global Sustainability Goals
AI summary Read the abstract
This study combined expert surveys with analysis of over 17,000 research publications to see how microplastics, from production to pollution, connect to global sustainability goals. It found that climate action and ocean life goals dominated, while published research focused mostly on human health effects, revealing a gap between research focus and policy priorities.
Microplastics (MPs) are no longer only a waste-management issue. They have taken on a new dimension, beginning with production processes and continuing with their fate and consequences in the environment and have been shaped by public health. This study examined the interaction between the different stages of the MP value chain (production, distribution, consumption, waste and wastewater management, environment, and public health) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within a comprehensive and quantitative framework. Within this context, the expert opinion-based Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), involving 12 experts, and bibliometric findings obtained from the Scopus database were integrated. The bibliometric analysis included 17,518 publications published between 2020 and 2025. The AHP results showed that Climate Action (SDG-13) and Life Below Water (SDG-14) were absolutely dominant throughout the MP value chain, with weighted values of 0.343 and 0.348, respectively. In the production phase, Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG-12) was at a strategically focal point with a weighted value of 0.149. Bibliometric findings confirmed a 597.7% increase in the annual number of publications between 2020 and 2025. Based on the results of the bibliometric analyses, the literature focused largely on the effects of MPs on human health-Good Health and Well-Being (SDG-3 = 29.03%). This reflects an important science-policy gap in that research has focused mostly on possible ecological hazards arising from MPs, whereas policymakers have addressed structural drivers of pollution at source and control of the process. The results also showed that MP pollution must be addressed not only through "end-of-pipe" approaches but also through value chain-focused strategies, such as ecodesign and the circular economy. In this regard, the present study offers a comprehensive, data-driven, and applicable framework of decision support for MP management.
More Papers Like This
Research Trends on The Presence of Microplastic Particles in The Environment and The Impact of Microplastics Around the World From 2010 - 2022: A Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
This literature review and bibliometric analysis maps global research trends on microplastic pollution and its environmental and health impacts from 2010 to 2022. Publication rates have increased dramatically over the period, with most research focused on marine and freshwater contamination. The study provides a useful overview of where microplastic science has grown and where gaps remain.
Global Trends in the Research Landscape and Development of Micro- and Nanoplastics.
AI summary Read the abstract
This review analyzed over 12,000 studies to map how microplastics research has evolved, from ocean pollution to concerns about human health. The field has shifted focus toward understanding how these tiny plastic particles affect our bodies at the molecular level, showing scientists are increasingly connecting environmental plastic pollution to real health risks for people.
From Rivers to Oceans, the Hydrological Footprint of Microplastics: Policy Solutions and Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainable Development Goal's Alignment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review paper summarizes existing research on how microplastics move from production through disposal in rivers and oceans, examining their effects on aquatic animals and potential human exposure through food. It discusses how microplastic pollution may interfere with United Nations sustainable development goals and highlights life cycle assessment as a tool for studying this issue.
Research tendency of microplastics and nanoplastics based on bibliometric analysis and perspective of the influence of human health
AI summary Read the abstract
This review uses bibliometric analysis of over 7,000 scientific publications from 2004 to 2021 to map global research trends in microplastics and nanoplastics, identifying key topics, leading research nations, and emerging areas of concern related to human health impacts.
Bibliometric analysis for global marine microplastic pollution control from 2013 to 2022
AI summary Read the abstract
This bibliometric analysis reviewed a decade of research on marine microplastic pollution control, analyzing over 2,300 publications. The study found that research has shifted from tracing microplastic sources and analyzing hazards toward examining the impact of economic activities and synthetic fibers, while identifying a gap in studies focused on policy implications and technological innovations for pollution control.
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.