Microalgae as bioremediators of aquaculture effluents: a scientometric approach

Aquaculture has been recognized as the agri-food sector with the fastest development rate, with an average annual growth rate of 5.2%. The rapid expansion of aquaculture raises significant concerns, particularly the increase in the volume of wastewater generated by this activity. Bioremediation through the cultivation of microalgae is recognized as an effective and cost-efficient way to minimize pollutants in aquaculture effluents. This study aimed to detail, through bibliometric analysis and a critical review of 120 scientific articles found in the Web of Science (WoS) and Elsevier Scopus bibliographic databases, the global research landscape on the use of microalgae for bioremediation of aquaculture effluents. Studies on the bioremediation of aquaculture effluents through the use of microalgae offer very promising prospects for the future, as they combine ecological, socio-environmental and economic interests, shedding light on a more sustainable practice that could become an additional source of income for aquaculture enterprises.