Trends in microplastic threats to marine ecosystems (2015–2025): a bibliometric and literature-based assessment
Leji Latheef, Shibini Mol PA, Jesitha KottekottilPurpose
This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric and literature-based assessment of global research on microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP) bioaccumulation and toxicity in marine organisms from 2015 to 2025, with particular emphasis on ecological risks, human health implications and emerging mechanistic insights into pollutant transfer across marine food webs.
Design/methodology/approach
A dataset comprising 1,623 peer-reviewed publications indexed in Scopus was analyzed using VOSviewer to generate collaboration networks, co-citation maps and keyword clusters. Bibliometric findings were complemented by qualitative interpretations of highly cited studies to contextualize major advances in toxicological mechanisms, exposure pathways, model organisms and ecological risk frameworks.
Findings
Scientific output increased markedly after 2018, driven by advancements in analytical detection techniques and growing regulatory concern. China leads global research output, followed by Italy, India, Spain and the UK, whereas environmentally vulnerable regions such as the Arabian Gulf remain underrepresented. The research focus has evolved from descriptive occurrence studies to mechanistic and molecular-level toxicology, identifying oxidative stress, immunomodulation, gene expression changes, neurotoxicity and NP-specific risks such as tissue penetration and potential blood–brain barrier translocation. Recent literature further reinforces ecological risk assessment frameworks, seafood safety concerns and the need for harmonized monitoring strategies. Methodological limitations, including reliance on English-language Scopus-indexed publications, are acknowledged.
Originality/value
This study is among the first to integrate systematic bibliometric mapping with qualitative synthesis to identify the principal scientific drivers shaping a decade of MP/NP ecotoxicological research. The findings provide strategic directions for future investigations, including multi-omics approaches, standardized toxicity endpoints, enhanced regional surveillance and policy initiatives aimed at marine ecosystem protection and public health safeguarding.