Trend mapping of aerobic granular sludge technology for sustainable wastewater treatment: a bibliometric study

Abstract Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) is an advanced biological wastewater treatment process with prominent properties. It has been proven effective in removing pollutants simultaneously. While the development of AGS applications increases, challenges in granulation and stability remain, leading to continuing research to address the drawbacks. Therefore, providing information on the latest research trends is significant. Bibliometric analysis was used in this study to evaluate and present the comprehensive current research trend of AGS technology with VOSviewer software from 2001 to 2025. The year 2024 was the most increasing trend of publication with 67 titles. Bioresource Technology and Water Research were the most relevant sources and cited journals. China and the Netherlands were still the most productive and cited countries. 4 emerging topics were found from mapping current research trends, including various methods to address specific challenges, removing specific contaminants, nutrient removal, and resource recovery. Further, rapid granulation and enhanced biological phosphorous removal were the leading topics in 2025. Those insights are the provisions for researchers in designing the strategy of AGS technology to achieve sustainability in wastewater treatment.