Bibliometric Analysis of Heavy Metal Phytoremediation: Trends, Geographical Distribution, and Future Perspectives

Phytoremediation, an eco-friendly technique that uses plants to mitigate soil contamination by heavy metals, has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its sustainability and low environmental impact. A bibliometric analysis using Scopus and Web of Science databases revealed a sharp rise in publications, particularly between 2014 and 2018, highlighting the growing global interest in this technology. The analysis also shows a geographic concentration of research in countries such as China, India, and Pakistan, which face significant environmental challenges due to heavy metal contamination. The leading fields involved in phytoremediation research are environmental sciences, ecology, and plant sciences. The Chinese Academy of Sciences and other prominent institutions have been key contributors, supported by funding from agencies like the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Research is increasingly focused on enhancing plant tolerance to heavy metals through genetic engineering and microbial partnerships. Moving forward, advancements in phytoremediation techniques are expected, addressing challenges like scalability, ecological impacts, and the development of cost-effective methods for monitoring. The future of phytoremediation looks promising, offering a sustainable solution to combat soil pollution caused by industrial and agricultural activities.