Scientometric Analysis and Identification of Research Trends in Microplastics Research for 2011-2019

Abstract Microplastics pollution of our environment has seen major data reporting in the last decade. Microplastics produce harmful effects on marine organisms and in humans. In this scientometric study, we have evaluated literature between years 2011-2019. Our data shows that publications counts are increasing with an important role for China and its funding agencies in the field. A majority of research articles were published by authors affiliated with Chinese Academy of Sciences. Journals ‘Marine Pollution Bulletin’ and ‘Environmental Pollution’ were identified as important Journals with 273 and 185 research publications, respectively. We have also identified the upcoming research trend and shift from microplastics presence in water to microplastics presence in air. A major shift is observed in year 2017 and United Kingdom is leading this field with 11 publications with top authors affiliated to University of Plymouth. Interestingly, the Journal Environmental Pollution has published the most research articles (~20%). Our co-authorship analysis demonstrated that China (and it’s institutions and authors) is the most collaborative country followed by the United States, together forming top cluster with a link strength of 42. Finally, our analysis provides information about prospective research and emerging trends that can be explored in the coming years.