Bibliometric Analysis of AI Applications in Wastewater Treatment

This research article presents a bibliometric analysis of 2,096 journal articles published from 1987 to 2024, focusing on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in wastewater treatment. The analysis utilizes the Bibliometrix R package to examine various perspectives, including intellectual, geographic, and temporal aspects of AI studies in this field. The findings indicate exponential growth in publications since 2016, with China leading in publication output and Spain producing the most cited articles. The study highlights a thematic shift from narrow model-specific research to broader models encompassing machine learning and deep learning. It discusses the role of AI in optimizing wastewater treatment processes and its contribution to sustainability and resource recovery. The article also addresses challenges related to knowledge fragmentation and varying national priorities in AI research, emphasizing the need for systematic mapping of the field. Overall, this bibliometric analysis aims to provide insights into the evolution of AI in wastewater management and inform future research directions.