Mapping Ostracoda Research Trends: Implications for Environmental Studies and Water Quality Monitoring

Ostracods, also known as seed shrimp, are a class of crustaceans characterized by their small size and bivalve-like shells. These aquatic organisms are found in a wide range of environments, from deep oceans to freshwater lakes and even temporary pools. Ostracods are notable for their diverse morphology and ecological roles, serving as important indicators of environmental conditions. Their fossil record, dating back to the Cambrian period, provides valuable insights into past climates and environmental changes, making them a crucial subject of study in paleontology and environmental science. The worldwide scientific publications on ostracods were collected from the Scopus database, comprising 6,075 documents from 1910 to 2023, and investigated using the bibliometric software VOSviewer. The results highlight the increase in publications on ostracod research during the 20th century. Recent advancements in ostracod studies have also been applied to assess ecotoxicological effects and measure environmental risk.