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Mapping Global Research Trends on Marine Plastic Pollution: A Bibliometric Analysis of Legal and Policy Frameworks

Author

Listed:
  • Nur Irinah Mohamad Sirat

    (Faculty of Law, UiTM Cawangan Kedah, Kampus Sungai Petani, 08400 Merbok, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia)

  • Nurul Mazrah Manshor

    (Faculty of Law, UiTM Cawangan Kedah, Kampus Sungai Petani, 08400 Merbok, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia)

  • Rohayati Hussin

    (Faculty of Law, UiTM Cawangan Kedah, Kampus Sungai Petani, 08400 Merbok, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia)

  • Salmah Roslim

    (Faculty of Law, UiTM Cawangan Kedah, Kampus Sungai Petani, 08400 Merbok, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia)

  • Syatirah Abu Bakar

    (Faculty of Law, UiTM Cawangan Kedah, Kampus Sungai Petani, 08400 Merbok, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia)

  • Siti Khadijah Abdullah Sanek

    (Faculty of Law, UiTM Cawangan Kedah, Kampus Sungai Petani, 08400 Merbok, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia)

  • Mohd Zulhelmey Abdullah

    (Faculty of Law, UiTM Cawangan Kedah, Kampus Sungai Petani, 08400 Merbok, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia)

  • Nur Zatil Sakinah Mohamad Sirat

    (Messrs Wang & S.B. Wong, Penang, Malaysia)

Abstract

Marine plastic pollution (MPP) stands as one of the significant environmental challenges of the twenty-first century, shaping debates on sustainability, biodiversity protection, and climate change resilience. Although scientific research on plastics has expanded rapidly, comparatively less attention has been devoted to the intellectual and thematic evolution of legal and policy-oriented research in this field. To address this gap, this bibliometric study systematically examines the intellectual, thematic, and structural development of MPP scholarship, specifically focusing on legal and policy frameworks between 2015 and 2025. Drawing on 406 publications retrieved from the Scopus database, the study pursues four objectives: (1) to analyse the intellectual and thematic evolution of MPP research addressing legal and policy dimensions over the past decade; (2) to identify key contributors and collaboration patterns; (3) to explore dominant thematic trends and emerging conceptual structures through keyword co-occurrence and network mapping techniques; and (4) to highlight persisting research gaps. Using bibliometric tools, including Harzing’s Publish or Perish, OpenRefine, and VOSviewer, the analysis reveals a marked increase in scholarly output, peaking in 2023–2024. The findings outline a three-phase trajectory: an emergent stage (2015–2017), a consolidation phase (2018–2021), and an acceleration phase (2022–2025), aligned with global policy milestones such as the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive and the UNEA resolution on a global plastics treaty. With growing participation from Southeast Asia, authors and institutions from China, the United States, India, and Europe make influential contributions. Thematic clusters highlight ecological risks, waste management, governance frameworks, and emerging linkages with sustainability and climate change. Nonetheless, significant gaps persist, particularly in aligning legal frameworks with climate commitments and strengthening enforcement in developing regions. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive mapping of MPP governance scholarship, offering valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to advance marine sustainability and climate resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Nur Irinah Mohamad Sirat & Nurul Mazrah Manshor & Rohayati Hussin & Salmah Roslim & Syatirah Abu Bakar & Siti Khadijah Abdullah Sanek & Mohd Zulhelmey Abdullah & Nur Zatil Sakinah Mohamad Sirat, 2025. "Mapping Global Research Trends on Marine Plastic Pollution: A Bibliometric Analysis of Legal and Policy Frameworks," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 6866-6901, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:6866-6901
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    References listed on IDEAS

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