We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Mapping Global Research Trends in Groundwater Quality (2010–2025): a Bibliometric Perspective
Summary
Researchers conducted a bibliometric analysis of groundwater quality research published in Scopus between 2010 and 2025, identifying key publication trends, influential authors, and emerging themes including microplastic pollution, extreme event-driven contamination, and AI-based monitoring techniques, while mapping the evolution of interdisciplinary approaches integrating climate science, environmental engineering, and public health.
Groundwater quality has garnered increasing attention as climate change intensifies its impact on water resources worldwide. This bibliometric study offers a comprehensive analysis of global research trends in groundwater quality from 2010 to 2025, focusing on the interplay between climate-induced stressors and freshwater systems. Utilizing Scopus-indexed literature and advanced bibliometric tools, the study examines publication patterns, identifies influential authors and institutions, and explores the evolution of key research themes. Through factorial analysis, the research uncovers conceptual structures shaping the field, while co-authorship networks reveal patterns of international collaboration and academic alliances. A thematic map provides insight into the maturity and relevance of research clusters, highlighting areas such as contaminant transport, hydrochemical modeling, and climate-resilient water management. The trend topic analysis pinpoints emerging themes, including microplastic pollution, extreme event-driven contamination, and AI-based groundwater monitoring techniques. Findings reflect a significant increase in interdisciplinary approaches that integrate climate science, environmental engineering, and public health. This study serves not only as a reference for researchers and policymakers but also as a strategic guide for future investigations aimed at mitigating climate-driven impacts on groundwater resources.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
A bibliometric analysis on microplastic pollution in groundwater
Researchers conducted a bibliometric analysis of publications on microplastic contamination in groundwater, identifying 695 relevant studies published between 2011 and 2022. They found that while microplastic research has surged overall, groundwater as a specific focus area remains significantly understudied compared to ocean and surface water environments. The study highlights critical knowledge gaps in understanding how microplastics transport through and contaminate subsurface water sources.
Trends of global concerns on groundwater contamination and future directions
A bibliometric review of nearly 39,000 groundwater contamination studies from 1991–2024 tracks a shift in research focus from classic pollutants toward emerging contaminants including microplastics, PFAS, and pharmaceuticals, while noting most of these remain unregulated. The review is relevant to microplastic risk assessment because it identifies groundwater — a source of drinking water for billions — as a frontier where microplastic research and regulation urgently need to catch up.
Kontaminasi Mikroplastik Pada Sumber Air Minum: Pemetaan Bibliometrik Terhadap Perkembangan Riset Dan Perspektif Kesehatan Masyarakat
This Indonesian bibliometric study analyzed global research trends in microplastic contamination of drinking water sources published between 2015 and 2025, finding a sharp increase in publications from 2020 onward, with China and India producing the most research. The analysis maps the key topics and research clusters driving this field. Understanding where the science is concentrated helps identify gaps — particularly in regions with limited monitoring infrastructure where drinking water contamination poses the greatest public health risk.
Global status, risk assessment, and knowledge gaps of microplastics in groundwater: A bibliometric analysis
This review analyzed 215 published studies on microplastics in groundwater and found that this area of research is still in its early stages compared to surface water studies. Evidence indicates that microplastic contamination is present in groundwater worldwide, but sampling methods and reported results vary widely. The authors identified significant knowledge gaps in understanding how microplastics move through underground water systems and what risks they may pose to drinking water sources.
Groundwater quality: global challenges, emerging threats and novel approaches
This review highlights global groundwater quality challenges including emerging contaminants and antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the need for significantly improved monitoring to identify and mitigate threats from historical and future pollution sources.