Bibliometric insights into microalgae cultivation in wastewater: Trends and future prospects for biolipid production and environmental sustainability

Cultivation of microalgae in wastewater stream has been extensively reported, especially for simultaneous
production of biolipid and wastewater treatment process. This study aimed to derive the research trend and focus
on biolipid production from microalgae cultivated in wastewater by using bibliometric approach. The search
strategy used in Scopus database resulted in 1339 research articles from 1990 to November 2023. Majority of
publications (46%) were affiliated to China and India, showing their predominance in this field. Keywords
related to the center of attention included biodiesel, biofuel, biomass and nutrient removal. Meanwhile, keyword
with recent publication year, indicating the emerging research trends, revolved around the cultivation tech
niques and application of the system. Co-culture involving more than one microalgae species, bacteria and yeast
showed promising results, while addition of nanoparticles was also found to be beneficial. Increasing exploration
on the application of microalgae for treatment of saline wastewater was also reported and the carbon fixation
mechanism by microalgae has been widely investigated to promote less environmental impact. Future research
on these topics were suggested based on the findings of the bibliometric analyses.