Evapotranspiration beds as a zero-discharge nature-based solution for wastewater disposal: A review

The evapotranspiration bed is a type of nature-based solution used to dispose wastewater that requires little maintenance and is well accepted by users. Given the poor availability of scientific studies on the subject, the aim of this study was to carry out a bibliometric analysis of the main types of evapotranspiration beds. A systematic search was carried out on the Scopus (Elsevier) and Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics) platforms. Cluster maps of co-occurrence of terms and co-authorship were generated using the VOSviewer software. Finally, a literature review was carried out based on the collected documents. From the results, it could be seen that, despite the earliest records dating from the late 1970s, there has been little research on the topic. Twenty-seven studies were selected, of which the United States and Ireland contributed with five publications each. Brazil appears in third place, with four publications. Most publications are related to the Environmental Sciences, with 56.4% of the studies related to this area. Little collaboration was seen between authors from different countries and research institutions in carrying out their research. The terms used in the studies refer to issues related to the on-site treatment of sewage, climate factors used in the design, and to the importance of the plants cultivated in each system. Evapotranspiration beds are a good alternative for the disposal of wastewater, especially as an on-site solution for domestic sewage, with the advantages of generating no effluent, producing biomass for food and creating harmony in the landscape.