Human Exposure to Micro (Nano) Plastics and Their Potential Health Impact: A Scientometric Analysis

Abstract

Plastic pollution has emerged as an urgent global challenge, with various studies indicating that exposure to these minute plastic particles, such as microplastics (diameter less than 5 mm in size) and nanoplastics (smaller than 1 μm), can potentially lead to various adverse impacts on human health. There is a shred of growing evidence indicating that the chemicals found in plastic are connected to several grave health problems, including cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, endocrine disruption, infertility etc. This study aims to provide a systematic and in-depth analysis of the exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics on human health. The exploration of bibliometric studies on the effects of human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics on health is still limited, and this forms the basis of the present investigation. Extensive data, including the scientific output of researchers, country/region contributions, affiliations, author references, and thematic trends, were carefully examined using the VOSviewer program (version 1.6.15). The finding in this study shows a progressive increase in the number of related published works from 2014 to 2024, with 2994 documents retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The fact that Chinese researchers are frequently listed as top-affiliated authors indicates the significant influence these scientists have had on research on the health impacts of microplastic and nanoplastic exposure. This study contributes to the existing knowledge of the potential impact of micro(nano)plastic exposure on human health and the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the challenges posed by plastic particles. Aims: This study aimed to investigate human exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics and their potential health impacts using bibliometric mapping and analysis. Study Design:  Bibliometric mapping and analysis. Place and Duration of Study: Manipur, India. The study was done between August and November 2025. Methodology: We retrieved information related to the search topic encompassing title, abstract, keyword plus, and author keywords from the Web of Science (WoS) core collection database for the period of publications from 2014 to 2024. A total of 2994 documents were retrieved from various publication types, such as articles, review articles, meeting abstracts, editorial material, proceeding papers, letters, and book chapters. Mapping and analysis of data were performed using VOSviewer version 1.6.20 software programme. Results: With a total publication of 2994, the micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) and human exposure axis have garnered the attention of researchers worldwide, as seen by the steady increase in research publications in the last decade. This rise in research output unequivocally demonstrates how MNPs affect human life. Environmental Sciences Ecology is the most popular research area, contributing 64.8% of total research publications, with Science of the Total Environment as the top leading journal in the field of MNPs and their associated human health risks. With a total of 7624 citations, the Chinese Academy of Sciences tops the list with the highest publication count. Globally, the People’s Republic of China tops the nations contributing significantly, about 38.2% of the total publications. Co-occurrence network analysis reveals majority of research conducted was concentrated on oxidative stress and toxicity pathways caused by exposure to MNPs as primary threats to gut microbiota and metabolism in aquatic animals and human health. Conclusion: Increased exposure to environmental pollutants, such as MNPs, may contribute to an increase in cancer, immune disorders, metabolic and other neurological problems, as evidenced from many literature studies. There is a great deal of uncertainty about the impact of environmental exposure to MNPs on human health. Given the expected increase in the presence of these synthetic plastic materials in our environment, extensive research is needed to fully understand the danger that microplastics and nanoplastics bring to human health. This article offers insights into the possible health effects of micro(nano)plastic exposure using bibliometric analysis. Nevertheless, further study is required to provide conclusive evidence, particularly concerning human health at the pathophysiological level resulting from micro(nano)plastic exposure.  This would ensure public awareness towards the judicious use of plastic materials and proper plastic waste management practices.