Oxidative Potential of Airborne Particulate Matter: A Bibliometric Analysis of Current Research, Challenges, and Future Perspectives.

Abstract

Abstract The present comprehensive study provides a detailed bibliometric analysis of the oxidative potential (OP) of particulate matter (PM). This area of research is rapidly expanding and has significant implications for human health and the environment. We carefully screened 569 articles. 368 studies were selected for further bibliometric analysis. Our bibliometric results indicate strong international collaboration in this field. In particular, the growing importance of OP-PM research is highlighted by a remarkable increase in the number of publications in the 2010s, with a 24-fold increase compared to the early 2000s. The dissemination of research is concentrated in a select group of eight journals. The remaining content is spread across 75 different journals. Furthermore, our study reveals a concentration of research in a limited number of institutions, mainly in the academic and university sector. There is a notable absence of contributions from the private sector. From the analysis of the research field, we have identified the main global research hotspots for OP-PM. These hotspots highlight the importance of capacity building, innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and improved understanding of emission sources, atmospheric processes, and the impacts of PM and its OP. Furthermore, our study argues in favour of better understanding of personal exposure in different environments and the impact of emerging contaminants, including nanoparticles. Our findings also highlight the need to consider climate change effects on OP-PM and the regulatory context for PM research. Pursuing these research directions will improve our understanding of PM and its effects. It will also support more effective air quality management and public health protection strategies.