Scientific Mapping of Nanotechnology in Arsenic Mitigation in Agricultural Soils: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

This bibliometric study offers a novel synthesis of nanotechnology applications for arsenic mitigation in agricultural soils, setting itself apart from prior reviews through its comprehensive scope and three key contributions. First, it identifies unique trends, including a 300% increase since 2020 in research that integrates artificial intelligence with nanomaterial design for arsenic capture—an area largely overlooked in earlier analyses. The study also highlights the emergence of innovative hybrid approaches, such as nanobiochar-microbe consortia, which have demonstrated 40–90% higher efficacy than conventional methods in field trials. Second, it exposes critical knowledge gaps that have not been sufficiently addressed in previous literature, particularly the ecotoxicity of nanoparticles in alkaline soils—discussed in only 8% of reviewed publications—as well as regulatory discrepancies between the Global South and North, challenges in scaling nano-remediants for widespread use, and the insufficient understanding of lifecycle impacts of recycled nanomaterials. Third, the study provides policy-relevant insights by mapping the geographic distribution of research efforts, revealing a strong concentration (78%) in arsenic-affected regions of Asia, such as Bangladesh, while significantly underrepresenting Latin American and African contexts, which together account for less than 5% of publications—highlighting an urgent need for equitable global engagement. Through the analysis of 1,657 Scopus-indexed documents from 2008 to 2025 using VOSviewer and RStudio, the study uncovers 16 emerging research clusters, including novel areas such as plasmonic nanosensors for real-time arsenic monitoring. These findings inform both policy and practice by equipping decision-makers with data to support funding for low-cost, scalable solutions like iron oxide-biochar composites, and guiding the research community toward impactful, transdisciplinary collaborations. Ultimately, this work establishes a roadmap for next-generation arsenic mitigation strategies that bridge laboratory innovations with real-world agricultural applications, offering actionable insights for scientists, regulators, and practitioners alike.