Sustainable application of heavy metal contains wastewater treatment using microalgae: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis

The use of microalgae to treat wastewater contaminants with heavy metals is a great approach nowadays. Despite the abundance of reviews published on this topic, no meta-analysis using bibliometric tools has been published. The objective of this study was to determine patterns of research on microalgae to treat wastewater contaminants with heavy metals based on the publications available in the Web of Science database using the search terms “heavy metal wastewater treatment microalgae” (topic). The top publications were identified, along with the countries, journals, institutions, and citations that have been published in high-index journals about this topic. The data were analyzed with bibliometric analysis and VOS viewer. According to the results, the behavior of publications. has risen from 2019 onwards, and the paper titled “Progress and challengers of contaminate removal from wastewater using in microalgae” is the most cited paper about this title. Fed Uni Rio is the major institute regarding this title, while China is the most outstanding country with more publications and collaborations. This study comprises the need for further investigation of the full potential of microalgae-specific industries and regions through the analysis of publication network, and citation pattern, and it identifies research gaps and future opportunities. Eventually, microalgae-based bioremediation will be highlighted as a promising, eco-friendly, and environment-sustainable choice for addressing this global challenge.