# Bibliometric Analysis of Medical Waste Research Using Python-Driven Algorithm
## 4 Discussion
Future studies should investigate the specific cooperative dynamics observed in these clusters, determining the motivations behind these alliances, whether they originate from shared scientific challenges, market forces, or policy considerations. This evolution in collaborative patterns illustrates how medical waste management research is transitioning from siloed regional approaches to a globally integrated field that recognizes the transboundary nature of both waste impacts and solutions. In the early years of MW management, incineration was the primary method of disposal. However, this practice raised significant concerns about emissions of toxic compounds, as highlighted in the article \"Medical Waste Management Incineration\" by [PERSON] and [PERSON], published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials in June 1996. Toxic emissions through the incineration process, such as fine particulates, acid gases, heavy metals (i.e., lead and cadmium), and carcinogenic compounds such as dioxins and furans, can be released into the atmosphere. Although high temperatures typically destroy pathogens in waste, microorganisms from the surrounding environment may bypass the combustion process and be emitted through the stack. Compared to municipal waste incinerators, medical systems generally emit lower metal levels, but inadequate air pollution controls can still lead to significant environmental and health concerns [34; 35]. Over time, these concerns have driven the development of newer, more efficient methods of waste management. Technological advances in waste treatment led to the adoption of modern techniques such as thermal plasma pyrolysis technology that gained widespread popularity, as demonstrated by studies such as \"Treatment of Organic WasteUsing Thermal Plasma Pyrolysis Technology\" by [PERSON] and [PERSON] [36]. Thermal plasma technology presents a modern solution for handling MW by reaching extremely high temperatures. It produces a highly ionized gas that breaks down hazardous materials efficiently, converting them into non-toxic and safe residues [37]. Moreover, the publication \"Study on Pyrolysis of Typical Medical Waste Materials by Using TG-FTIR Analysis\" by [PERSON] et al. showed that the use of a combination of thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy can offer important insights that support the development of predictive models for the pyrolysis of MW [38]. In addition, other pressing issues emerged, such as the presence of MW in water systems and the need for effective removal methods. This challenge is addressed in the paper \"Removal of Antibiotics from Surface and Distilled Water in Conventional Water Treatment Processes\" by [PERSON], [PERSON], [PERSON] and [PERSON], published in the Journal of Environmental Engineering-ASCE in March 2002. The study found that treating water contaminated with antibiotics was most effective using powdered activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and oxidation with ozone or chlorine under typical water treatment conditions. These methods significantly reduced antibiotic levels. In contrast, conventional techniques such as coagulation, ion exchange, UV disinfection, and lime softening showed little to no effectiveness [33]. In the period following 2010, there was a shift in focus towards the implementation of more sustainable waste management practices. During this time, growing environmental and public health concerns prompted a reevaluation of traditional disposal methods for infectious MW. Incineration, previously the most common approach, faced increased scrutiny due to its link with harmful air pollutants such as dioxins and furans, largely stemming from the high plastic content of MW. As a result, attention gradually shifted toward alternative technologies, such as autoclaving and microwaving, which offer pathogen neutralization without the associated emissions risks [21; 39].