Based on the Web of Science (WoS) core collection database, bibliometric methods and CiteSpace visualization were used to analyze the development trends, research hotspots and future directions in the field of biochar remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil research from 2008 to 2022. By analyzing the basic characteristics of publications in the databases, it was found that the number of literatures has been growing rapidly since 2014, and the number of publications in China far exceeds that of other countries, especially the Chinese Academy of Sciences being the institution with the most publications and the greatest influence. The analysis of the main authors shows that the authors collaborate on a large scale and are closely linked, and five Chinese authors are among the top ten authors in terms of number of publications. The most frequently cited authors are from the UK, and the highly cited literature is mainly in environmental engineering and environmental science disciplines. In addition, the cluster analysis of the cited literature resulted in five keyword clusters: slow pyrolysis, reduction, cadmium, iron plaque, and toxic element. According to the hotspot analysis, the field revolves around the following aspects: the scope of application, mechanisms of action, application effects and preparation methods of biochar, as well as the study of biochar optimization techniques. According to the identification of research frontiers, the application of iron-modified biochar in rice-soil systems, biochar-based nanocomposites, and the combined application of phytoremediation and biochar are current hot spots and should be of continuous interest for future research. Based on the above visual analysis may help new researchers to grasp the research frontiers and future research directions in the field of biochar remediation of heavy metal contaminated soils.


 

biochar; heavy metals; contaminated soil; CiteSpace software; visual analysis; research hotspots