Electrochemical-Based Technologies for Removing NSAIDs from Wastewater: Systematic Review with Bibliometric Analysis

Electrochemical-based processes have shown great promise in removing organic pollutants such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) from wastewater due to their effectiveness in addressing environmental pollution. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of the most-cited articles in the field to systematically evaluate the progress and current state of electrochemical methods for NSAID removal from wastewater. Additionally, it highlights the potential of combining electrochemical techniques with other treatment methods to enhance the overall efficiency of NSAID removal. Research in this field has mainly focused on three technologies: electro-peroxone process (E-peroxone), electro-Fenton (EF), and electrochemical oxidation (EO). Early studies prioritized EO-based treatments, but interest has gradually shifted toward EF and E-peroxone. Future research is expected to focus on the development of cost-effective electrode materials, improving energy efficiency, and exploring hybrid systems for more effective treatment of wastewater contaminated with NSAIDs. An integrated bibliometric and systematic review framework presented in this study provides the first comprehensive assessment of electrochemical strategies for NSAIDs removal, highlighting the evolution of research focus and the potential of hybrid approaches.