Analysis of studies on environmental measurements using diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) from 1994 to 2020

Purpose It has been nearly 30 years since the introduction of the technique of diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT), which provides information on solute concentrations and dynamics in waters, sediments, and soils. Probing the progress of DGT research from a bibliometric viewpoint helps capture technique evolution, identify research hotspots and predict future trends. Results and discussion In this study, we firstly built a dataset based on 1261 publications about DGT research during 1994-2020 using the Web of Science and then characterized publication records, identified the research hotspots, and constructed a keyword co-occurrence network. Specifically, we highlighted the strengths of DGT in monitoring surface water quality, determining chemical speciation and bioavailability, and unraveling geochemistry dynamic process in sediments and soil-root systems. Conclusions Collectively, the information summarized in this study sheds light on the technical development and practical application of DGT as a promising tool in environmental studies.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the development of DGT technique in the past few decades using bibliometric methods, identified its application hotspots in water, sediment, and soil research, and discussed its potential and practical applications in environmental studies.