Nano-Adsorbents for Cobalt Removal from Wastewater: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Articles Indexed in the Scopus Database

Abstract

In this study, a combined technique of bibliometric and social network analysis was applied on research articles, related to the application of nano-adsorbents for cobalt removal from wastewater, published in Scopus database up to 2020. The results revealed that the first relative research article appeared in the Scopus database in the year 2002. The total output of research articles reached 214 in the year 2020. Published research articles of the years 2014–2020, added up to 83.6% of total articles. King Saud University of Saudi Arabia, Chinese Academy of Science, and LUT University of Finland were found to serve as the gatekeepers who control information flows in the network of the most prolific institutions, while cooperation between China, Saudi Arabia, and United States was also identified. On average, the most prolific authors cooperated with five others, while the top 10 cited publications appeared to represent a sparse and weakly interconnected network of co-authors. Graphene oxide was the most prominent nano-adsorbent among the top 10 cited publications, and their respective co-citations network visualization helped in capturing the value of certain citations to the evolution of the research on the topic, putting thus scientific work impact assessment to a different perspective.

Ciprofloxacin Adsorption onto a Smectite–Chitosan-Derived Nanocomposite Obtained by Hydrothermal Synthesis

“…Apart from their application in adsorption, materials based on transition metal-carbonaceous phase-clay minerals were successfully used as catalysts in the advanced oxidative degradation of various organic pollutants [34]. Although different transition metals were applied in adsorbent synthesis, cobalt is widely used because, as a bio-essential element, it does not cause major environmental concerns [35].…”

Development and characterization of porous membranes based on PPSU/PES using polyethylene glycol as porogen: Application for cobalt removal by polyelectrolyte‐enhanced ultrafiltration

“…For example, cobalt at high concentration can pose health risks, with symptoms related to asthma, and damage of liver, thyroid and heart. Cobalt has been reported to cause also genetic mutations in living organisms, while in other studies cobalt has been reported as a possible carcinogen 1 …”

“…Cobalt has been reported to cause also genetic mutations in living organisms, while in other studies cobalt has been reported as a possible carcinogen. 1 Wastewater treatment is one of the most important means of protecting the water environment from pollution. Due to its features of energy saving and ease of operation, the membrane process has become a significant and efficient technology for water purification, including municipal and industrial wastewater as well as seawater purification and desalination.…”