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

PurposeIt 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 discussionIn 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.ConclusionsCollectively, the information summarized in this study sheds light on the technical development and practical application of DGT as a promising tool in environmental studies.