Evolution of phytoremediation research: from heavy metal removal to microbiome-assisted nature-based solutions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Phytoremediation has become one of the most promising nature-based approaches for restoring contaminated ecosystems by combining environmental sustainability, economic feasibility, and ecosystem resilience.The aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze the evolution of phytoremediation research, identify major scientific trends, research hotspots, geographical distribution of scientific production, funding patterns, international collaboration, and future research directions using bibliometric methods.The results reveal a substantial increase in scientific output, particularly after 2015, reflecting the growing global interest in ecological restoration and sustainable environmental management.China emerged as the leading contributor to phytoremediation research, followed by the United Землеробство, рослинництво, овочівництво та баштанництво States, India, and several European countries.Funding analysis demonstrated the significant role of major national and international research programmes in advancing phytoremediation studies.Keyword mapping illustrates a clear evolution of research priorities from heavy metal uptake and plant physiology toward microbiome-assisted phytoremediation, biochar applications, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, Digital Twins, and Nature-based Solutions.The analysis also identified important research gaps related to AI-driven predictive modelling, digital environmental monitoring, remediation of mixed contaminants and PFAS, war-contaminated soils, and climate adaptation.The findings demonstrate that phytoremediation has evolved from a narrow plant-based remediation technology into a multidisciplinary scientific field integrating environmental science, microbiology, digital technologies, and sustainability concepts.Bibliometric analysis not only reveals the historical evolution of scientific knowledge but also provides valuable insights into emerging research themes and future directions for sustainable environmental remediation.
Source: Taurian Scientific Herald
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7204702075