Floating Wetlands Islands for Crop Production: A Comprehensive Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract Floating wetland islands (FWIs), traditionally applied for ecological restoration and water purification, are increasingly recognized for their multifunctional potential. Their ability to combine environmental remediation with food production positions FWIs as a promising nature-based solution (NbS) for advancing sustainable development. To identify research trends and knowledge gaps in this emerging field, a bibliometric analysis and systematic review of FWIs for crop production were performed using the Scopus database. A total of 83 publications were identified between 2000 and 2024, the majority being research articles (78.3%), with “Environmental Sciences” as the predominant subject area (35.8%). China emerged as the leading contributor, accounting for 71 publications (16.9%). Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed three main thematic clusters: “agriculture,” “hydroponics,” and “wetlands,” reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of FWIs, which combine elements of hydroponic cultivation, ecological engineering, and water quality management. The review emphasizes the importance of plant selection and system design, not only to enhance nutrient retention but also to maximize biomass productivity, particularly when the goal is to obtain harvestable crops. From an economic perspective, FWIs show favorable viability: revenues from crop sales often surpass operational costs, though construction remains the most significant investment. Social acceptance tends to be high when commercial value is demonstrated; however, barriers such as limited technical training and concerns over food safety remain. Despite varied terminology, FWIs systems consistently demonstrate multifunctionality, offering solutions for both ecosystem restoration and sustainable crop production. Graphical Abstract