Catalytic Nanomaterials for Soil and Groundwater Remediation: Global Research Trends (2010–2024)

Abstract

Download PDFsettingsOrder Article Reprints Open AccessReview Catalytic Nanomaterials for Soil and Groundwater Remediation: Global Research Trends (2010–2024) by Motasem Y. D. Alazaiza 1,*ORCID,Tharaa M. Alzghoul 2ORCID,Madhusudhan Bangalore Ramu 1,*ORCID andDia Eddin Nassani 3ORCID 1 Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, College of Engineering, A’Sharqiyah University, Ibra 400, Oman 2 Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan 3 Department of Civil Engineering, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep 27500, Turkey * Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed. Catalysts 2025, 15(10), 981; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15100981 Submission received: 17 September 2025 / Revised: 8 October 2025 / Accepted: 11 October 2025 / Published: 14 October 2025 (This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Catalysis for Green Chemistry and Energy Transition, 2nd Edition) Downloadkeyboard_arrow_down Browse Figures Versions Notes Abstract This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 217 publications on nanomaterials for soil and groundwater remediation, sourced from the Scopus database, covering the period from 2010 to 2024. The findings highlight significant contributions from various countries, with India identified as the leading contributor, followed by China and the United States. This reflects robust international collaboration in addressing environmental contamination. The analysis also identifies influential journals in this field, particularly “Science of the Total Environment” and “Environmental Science and Technology”, which are recognized for their high citation impact and play a crucial role in disseminating research findings and advancing knowledge in nanomaterials for environmental remediation. A keyword co-occurrence analysis reveals six distinct clusters that emphasize critical research themes. The first cluster focuses on environmental toxicity, underscoring the risks posed by contaminants, particularly heavy metals and emerging pollutants such as PFAS, highlighting the need for advanced monitoring strategies. The second cluster showcases innovative nanoremediation technologies, particularly zero-valent iron (nZVI) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which are noted for their effectiveness in pollutant removal despite challenges like surface passivation and high production costs. The third cluster addresses heavy metals and phytoremediation, advocating integrated strategies that enhance crop resilience while managing soil contamination. The fourth cluster explores photocatalysis and advanced oxidation processes, demonstrating how nanomaterials can enhance pollutant degradation through light-activated catalytic methods. The fifth cluster emphasizes adsorption mechanisms for specific contaminants, such as arsenic and pharmaceuticals, suggesting targeted remediation strategies. Finally, the sixth cluster highlights the potential of nanomaterials in agriculture, focusing on their role in improving soil fertility and supporting plant growth. Overall, while nanomaterials demonstrate significant potential for effective environmental remediation, they also pose risks that necessitate careful consideration and further research. Future studies should prioritize optimizing these materials for practical applications, addressing both environmental health and agricultural productivity.