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 techniques 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. [Display omitted] •First bibliometric study in the field encompassing 1339 documents from Scopus database.•Predominance of China (406 articles) and India (218 articles) as most affiliated countries.•Novel techniques involved co-cultivation with bacteria and fungi indicated by its recent average publication year.•Addition of nanoparticles (SiC, g-C3N4, TiO2 and TiC) was found to be beneficial (average publication year 2021).•Emerging applications included CO2 fixation (2022) and treatment of saline wastewater (2020).