Bibliometric analysis of microplastics research: Advances and future directions (2020–2024)

Microplastics are a critical environmental concern due to their pervasive distribution and hazards. This study used Citespace software for a bibliometric analysis of microplastics research from 2020 to 2024, based on Web of Science papers. It covered sources, distribution, ecotoxicity, human health impacts, and mitigation measures . Findings showed a rapid increase in the number of related publications, with research focus gradually becoming more specialized, including advances in specific areas such as pollution status, ecotoxicology , detection technologies, and pollution control methods. Research focused on high plastic consumption regions like Europe, North America, and Asia, using innovative methods like high-throughput sequencing and nanotechnology. Keywords clustering identified primary research hotspots: microplastic pollution , ecotoxicity, pollution control, and human health impacts. Despite progress, challenges such as incomplete detection methods, the need for better risk assessment models, and improved pollution control technologies remain. This study offers insights and future research directions for microplastics pollution prevention and environmental protection. • The hot research directions of microplastics were investigated using Citespace. • STOTEN and Marine Pollution Bulletin significantly advanced microplastics research. • Keyword clustering and burst analysis revealed current research status and trends. • Research gaps were identified, and future research directions were proposed.