Evolution in impacts assessment for managing and recycling of waste: A scientometric analysis

Abstract

This study aims to conduct a scientometric analysis to identify emerging trends in waste management strategies over the last three decades (1994–2003, 2004–2013, and 2014–2023). Integrated application of bibliometric analysis (VOSviewer) and Science Mapping Analysis Tool (SciMAT) facilitates the tracing pattern of potential research themes, influential authors, significant outcomes, and relevant contributing factors over this specified period. Four prominent themes of the strategic diagram: (1) Management Systems, (2) Building Information Modeling (BIM), (3) Polymer, and (4) Eco-Neighbourhood have been revealed for further exploration and improvement. Clustering algorithms categorize the principle theme into further sub-components of resource recycling, project or building life cycle, energy analysis, environmental cost, waste plastic, geopolymer, and others to provide a nuanced understanding of interconnected themes. A pragmatic application of this analysis minimizes waste generation, optimizes resource recovery, and mitigates waste disposal's environmental impacts and health consequences. This review article's evidence-based framework assesses research dynamics, highlights potential sectors for exploration, and encourages innovation and collaboration among policymakers and the scientific community to facilitate informed and sustainable decision-making. However, valuable insights from alternative sources such as technical reports and non-English scholarly articles have not been considered for achieving practical applications.