Mapping the Knowledge Domains of Research on Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron in Remediation of Contaminated Soil: a Scientometric Study

-Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) has received increasing attention as a new technology that can provide cost-effective solutions in the remediation and treatment of contaminated soils due to its large surface area and high surface reactivity. nZVI can remove/transfer a wide range of contaminants such as heavy metals, inorganic salts and organic matter from the soil. This bibliometric analysis focused on the application of nZVI in soil remediation. A total of 1255 research papers were traced and analyzed between 1997 and 2022. The use of nZVI for soil remediation has undergone three stages of development and has received a great deal of attention in the last decade. A range of environmental science-related journals provides a stable platform for publishing and discussing papers on this topic. The contributions of different countries, institutions and authors to this topic were analyzed. A complex cooperation network between them was constructed. Keyword analysis was used to understand the different research directions on this topic. Most of these efforts have focused on the preparation and modification of nZVI. The mechanism of its use for the remediation of different pollutants has also been described in detail. Some examples of field applications have also been reported. Finally, the current status of this topic based on bibliometrics and its future perspectives are summarized.