Advancements in biosorbent green technologies for cadmium removal: A bibliometric analysis and review (2019–2024)

Abstract This paper provides an in‐depth exploration of recent developments in biosorbent technologies for the removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions. Through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, we identify key trends and advancements across four primary methodologies: physical, chemical, biological, and nanomaterial‐based approaches. Physical methods, utilizing natural materials like green algae and ion‐imprinted bagasse, offer cost‐effective and eco‐friendly solutions with moderate removal efficiencies (up to 111 mg/g). Chemical methods, including iminodiacetic acid (IDAA) functionalized loofah sponge and Salean polysaccharide, achieve high removal efficiencies (up to 170.1 mg/g) but involve complex preparation processes. Biological methods leverage the natural biosorption capacities of microorganisms and plants, with Bifidobacterium longum and chitosan achieving up to 99.11% removal efficiency. These methods are sustainable and support regeneration and reuse. Nanomaterial‐based approaches exhibit the highest cadmium removal efficiencies, with electro spun chitosan/phosphorylated nanocellulose reaching 232.55 mg/g, benefiting from their high surface area and functionalization potential. The review underscores the significant progress made in optimizing biosorbent technologies for cadmium removal, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each method. Nanomaterial‐based approaches emerge as the most effective, while chemical and biological methods offer high performance and sustainability, respectively.