The Mapping of Global Plastic Pollution Research: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Progress and Thematic Trends

Jun Yang, Xiaomei Hu and Fenglong Tan ()
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Jun Yang: School of Finance, Hunan University of Finance and Economics, Changsha 410205, China
Xiaomei Hu: School of Finance, Hunan University of Finance and Economics, Changsha 410205, China
Fenglong Tan: School of Public Administration, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-18

Abstract: The rapid increase in human activity over the past few decades has led to the ubiquity of plastic pollution, causing irreversible damage. This affects sustainable development in terms of the land, sea, and atmosphere. However, we currently lack a comprehensive understanding of this issue. Therefore, in this study, based on 7899 relevant articles published in Web of Science and Scopus from 1974 to 2024, we use the R-tool knowledge mapping method to visualize the current status of global plastic pollution research; identify research hotspots and thematic trends; and summarize key elements in the field. We seek to provide governments, policymakers, and scholars with a comprehensive overview that highlights the issues in environmental science, emphasizing its importance and increasing our understanding of this field. This study indicates that significant international exchanges in plastic pollution research are centered in the UK, US, China, and Australia, with a global focus on prevention and control strategies. In addition, the inherent complexity and transboundary nature of plastic waste underscore the need for advanced technological solutions and extensive collaboration. In the future, the Plastic Pollution Research Center will prioritize technological advances and enhanced international cooperation to address the challenges of plastic pollution.

Keywords: plastic pollution; environmental pollution; R-tool; research progress; thematic trends (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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