Nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in the hyporheic zone: A scientometric approach to research in Brazil

Abstract

Hyporheic zone, due to its constant contact with water flows, plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling. Despite global advances in understanding the hyporheic zone, its importance, functions, fauna, and the ecological processes that occur there, there are still areas that require further investigation, both in Brazil and internationally. This study conducted a scientometric analysis of research on nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, in the hyporheic zone, focusing on its temporal and geographical evolution. The main journals, authors, countries, and research lines were identified, with a particular focus on Brazil. A total of 483 articles related to nitrogen and 238 to phosphorus were selected and analyzed using the VOSviewer software. The results showed growing interest over the past two decades, with the United States, several European countries (the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France, among others), and China being the main contributors to this research, although there are still unexplored biomes and ecosystems. The analysis of graphs and networks revealed the presence of small research groups that are not well connected. Additionally, it was observed that studies on nitrogen are more abundant and multidisciplinary compared to those on phosphorus. In Brazil, most of the few studies were conducted in the last seven years. This work provides a solid foundation for future research on biogeochemical processes in the hyporheic zone.