Bibliometric review of research trends on disinfection by-products in drinking water during 1975–2018

Abstract

Disinfection is an important part of the drinking water treatment process. Disinfection by-products (DBPs), produced during the disinfection process, can be a threat to human health. Based on the Science Citation Index Expanded from the Web of Science, a total of 3570 publications from 1975 to 2018 on DBPs in drinking water were identified to analyse the present status and tendency. The present review article emphasizes the number of publications, highly cited papers, research areas, authors, leading countries and institutions. The bibliometric review on DBPs in drinking water provides a visual representation of current research focus and future trends. The number of related publications and participating countries has gradually increased each year. The USA is the top productive country with 1405 articles published, followed by China and Canada. These three countries have contributed most of the top 10 productive institutions, and the US EPA was ranked first. Trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), and bromate are the main DBPs. Disinfection by-product precursors and removal of DBPs are the two issues which are focused on. The main methods of controlling DBPs include coagulation, membrane processes and advanced oxidation. In addition, the overview of current research and the research tendencies on DBPs were analysed and summarized with a timeline. Iodinated, brominated, and nitrogenous DBPs have attracted great attention because of high toxicity. In the following research on DBPs, three aspects should be given special attention: (1) analytical techniques; (2) toxicity and health effects; (3) water quality standards and control methods. The historical review about DBPs in drinking water and a bibliometric analysis of the publications give a global view on future research and identify potential challenges.