A Data-Driven Analysis to Identify Research Hotspots and Trends in the Treatment of Algal Toxins in Water Environment

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Over the past 2 decades, due to eutrophication and other factors, algal toxins in water bodies have become increasingly prevalent, posing a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. The complex properties of algal toxins and the potential environmental risks they pose urgently demand comprehensive research and effective solutions. 

Recent Findings

Currently, the methods to address this issue mainly cover physical, chemical, and biological means. Oxidation, photocatalysis, and adsorption have emerged as the primary techniques. However, each has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of removal efficiency, cost, and environmental impact. Previous studies were mostly small-scale laboratory explorations and failed to analyze the overall research trends of algal toxins from a macroscopic perspective. This study, by employing bibliometrics and patent analysis methods, comprehensively examines the research status and development trends of treating algal toxins in water. 

Summary

This study carried out a data-driven analysis of 3354 papers and 380 patents from the Web of Science Core Collection and Derwent Innovation Index databases up until 2023. The keyword co-occurrence network analysis and technology classification jointly revealed the main knowledge structure of algal toxin research, which is formed and interconnected by contaminants, treatment processes, toxicity, and degradation characteristics. Moreover, current research indicates that oxidation, photocatalysis, and adsorption are the main removal methods. Further exploration found that hot areas include the low-carbon degradation of algal toxins in eutrophic waters. In recent years, cylindrospermopsin and nodularin have become hot pollutants in algal toxin treatment. Currently, the research focuses more on the removal mechanism of algal toxins and the risk assessment under the exposure to cylindrospermopsin and nodularin. This study also summarizes the removal efficiencies and principles of physical, chemical, and biological methods in the algal toxin removal process, providing key information and guidance for researchers to have a deeper understanding of the field of treating algal toxins in water.