Global perspectives on industrial wastewater management: A bibliometric analysis of research output

Abstract

As the population and urbanization continue to grow, we expect an increase in industrial demand, which will lead to higher water consumption and, consequently, the generation of substantial amounts of industrial wastewater (IWW). This presents significant environmental challenges that necessitate effective treatment solutions. This study addresses the gap in the existing literature by conducting a bibliometric analysis of 1,714 research papers on IWW treatment published in the Scopus database from 2015 to 2024. The findings indicate that over 59.7 % of these publications emerged within the past five years, with a peak of 244 papers published in 2022, reflecting an increased recognition of the necessity for effective IWW treatment approaches. The Journal of Water Process Engineering is identified as the leading journal in this domain. The analysis reveals that the majority of research is concentrated in the fields of chemistry and chemical engineering, with India and China contributing the highest outputs, at 11.79 % and 10.44 %, respectively. The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences is highlighted as a significant contributor, with seven publications and 74 citations, underscoring its prominence in IWW research. The studies indicate a focused interest in addressing various pollutants from industrial wastewater, including chemical oxygen demand (COD), dyes, and heavy metals. Furthermore, this body of research highlights a significant shift from traditional treatment methods toward integrated strategies that combine multiple techniques to enhance efficacy and sustainability in IWW treatment. Electrocoagulation, adsorption, and activated carbon are identified as the predominant treatment methods being explored for specific types of IWW, particularly textile and tannery wastewater. This research significantly contributes to the understanding of contemporary trends and advancements in IWW treatment, emphasizing the critical role of innovative methodologies in effectively addressing pollutant removal and promoting environmental sustainability. © 2024