The forecast for the total number of 10% top-cited scientific publications in pollution in the US indicates a gradual decrease from 2024 to 2028. Starting at approximately 102.87 publications in 2024, the numbers show a slight decline each year, reaching around 99.53 in 2028. The estimated decrease from 2024 to 2028 reflects a downward trend, with the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) suggesting a minor decline in publication count. In 2023, this metric stood at approximately 103.5 publications, underscoring the forecasted contraction in the subsequent years.

Future trends to watch for include:

Increased focus on alternative and emerging pollution topics that may redirect citation patterns.
Potential shifts in funding and policy priorities impacting research outputs.
Enhanced collaborations and interdisciplinary efforts influencing publication dynamics.