Evaluating the knowledge structure of micro- and nanoplastics in terrestrial environment through scientometric assessment

The impact of micro- and nanoplastics (M/NPs) on terrestrial ecosystems has been a hot topic in recent years since the soil has been recognized as an important sink for M/NPs. In the current study, a CiteSpace-based scientometric analysis of 506 papers was performed to show the intellectual background, research performance, and state of art knowledge structure of M/NPs in the terrestrial environment over the past six years (2016 - January 2022). The most prolific publications, journals, authors, and countries involved in the flourishment of this field were identified. Additionally, visualization methods were employed to determine the highly productive keywords, hotspots, and research frontiers in the field of M/NPs in terrestrial environments. Furthermore, cluster analysis was performed to provide an accurate summary of this field by exploring the sub-domains of this field. China has proven to be the most prominent country among others in terms of publications and funding. This study can help researchers identify new research fronts and distinguish the most critical sub-domains of M/NPs in the terrestrial environment research. [Display omitted] •Scientometric analysis of micro- and nanoplastic in terrestrial ecosystem was done.•Sub-domains of this field were extracted through knowledge structuring.•Publications in this field increased by 8533.3% in 2021 relative to 2016.•China was the most prominent country in terms of publication and funding.•Studies about the trophic transfer of M/NPs should be considered in future.