Air Pollution Research in African Countries: A Bibliometric Visualization and Analysis Using Dimensions.Ai and Scopus Databases

Abstract

Air contamination is an altered air quality which can be defined by the chemical, biological or material pollutant measurements. It can have consequences to human health, to biological species, to the weather, or to property. The continuous development of human activities leads to more release of pollutants into the environment. Soot, aerosols, and greenhouse gases, among other air pollutants, affect the planet and human health. In this sense, several studies were carried out to measure and analyze air pollution levels and their effects on the ecosystem. Based on the theory of bibliometrics, this study analyses the available research articles and reviews on air pollution in Africa while trying to define the main gaps and trends in this field of study. The results highlight that the main investigated fields include monitoring air pollutants concentrations, health risk assessment, policies and socio-economic growth related to air pollution. We noted weak scientific collaborations among African countries, possibly affecting the continent's scientific productivity. In this order, there is a need to consider developing regional scientific integration in Africa mainly in emerging fields such as environmental-related ones.