State-of-the-art beach environmental quality from the tree of science platform

Abstract

A State-of-the-Art review of scientific literature related with beach environmental quality is presented, by utilizing the Tree of Science® tool - ToS. In a search conducted in November 2016, 36 papers were found in the Web of Science® with the combination of words ‘beach’ and ‘environmental quality’. Papers were classified by ToS in roots (high input degree; n = 10), trunks (high intermediation degree; n = 9) and leaves (high output degree; n = 17). The Ocean and Coastal Management Journal was the most relevant journal, with 13 articles published (36%), which help Elsevier to be the most relevant publisher in this topic (n = 24; 67%). About authors, A.T. Williams was the most relevant author, with articles in roots, trunks and leaves and participation in seven of papers revised. Analysis by country of authors’ affiliation shows a clear leading by Spain (n = 27; 20%), followed by Italy (n = 15; 11%) and Brazil (n = 14; 10%). A general overview identifies a growing ToS in beach environmental quality, with some very strong references in trunks and leaves, and several other references receiving less attention by the scientific community. Finally, a prospective analysis from branches suggest that the scientific community is researching around three subtopics (environmental/ecological status, quality indexes, marine pollution), which could be in the near future a new ToS in the forest of beach management theme.