Produced water treatment and recovery in the oil and gas industry: A bibliometric analysis from 1977 to 2024

Produced water, generated as a byproduct of oil and gas extraction, is a complex mixture characterized by high salinity and the presence of hydrocarbons, heavy metals, salts, and production-related chemicals. Its large volume and pollutant load pose significant environmental and operational challenges, making effective treatment and disposal essential for environmental protection. This study presents a systematic bibliometric analysis of produced water treatment research based on the Scopus database. It examines seven key dimensions of the research landscape: publication growth, keyword patterns, productive countries and institutions, and influential journals. A total of 1,423 Scopus-indexed articles published between 1977 and 2024 were reviewed using a targeted search strategy focused on produced water in the oil and gas sector. The analysis highlights the most active contributors in terms of publication output and citations. Additionally, VOSviewer software was used to identify research trends and map networks among keywords and citations. Bibliometric trends indicate that future research should prioritize environmental impacts, techno-economic assessments, and life-cycle analysis of produced water treatment. Emerging technologies, such as electrochemical and biological treatments, as well as monetizing produced water through the recovery of valuable minerals are gaining attention. The insights from this bibliometric review help to identify active research areas in produced water treatment and provide a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders working toward more effective and sustainable treatment solutions. • A bibliometrics analysis of produced water treatment research from 1977 to 2024 has been carried out. • A comprehensive analysis included all research work published as per the Scopus database. • VOS viewer software was used to conduct the bibliometric study. • The analysis included publication trends, frequency of keywords, as well as the most cited countries, institutions, research papers and journals.