A Bibliometric Analysis of the Southeast Asia’s Growing Contribution to Cr(VI) Adsorption-Based Wastewater Treatment Research

Mohamad Ali Selimin

doi:10.58915/aset.v5i2.3291

Authors

Mohamad Ali Selimin Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58915/aset.v5i2.3291

Keywords:

Hexavalent chromium, Cr (VI), Adsorption, Heavy metal, Bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) contamination remains a critical environmental concern due to its toxicity, persistence, and mobility in aquatic systems, prompting extensive research into effective treatment technologies, particularly adsorption. Despite growing global interest, a comprehensive understanding of Southeast Asia’s contribution and evolving influence in this research domain remains limited. This study addresses this gap by conducting a bibliometric analysis to evaluate publication trends, influential works, collaborative networks, and thematic development related to Cr(VI) treatment research, with an emphasis on Southeast Asia. Bibliographic data were retrieved from the Scopus database using a structured search strategy and subsequently refined through predefined inclusion criteria. Data cleaning and standardization were performed using OpenRefine, while descriptive performance indicators were generated through the Scopus Analyzer. Network visualization and clustering analyses were conducted using VOSviewer to map co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence patterns. A total of 659 final-stage journal articles published between 2020 and February 2026 were included in the analysis. The results indicate a consistent increase in annual publication output, with Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam emerging as leading contributors within the region. Keyword mapping highlights adsorption, wastewater treatment, heavy metals, kinetics, and biochar as dominant research themes, reflecting a strong emphasis on material innovation and mechanistic evaluation. Collaborative networks reveal increasing regional integration alongside expanding international linkages. Overall, the findings demonstrate a measurable rise in Southeast Asia’s scientific visibility and impact in Cr(VI) treatment research, underscoring the strategic importance of bibliometric assessment for understanding regional research dynamics and guiding future scientific development. The findings contribute to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by providing bibliometric evidence to inform future research and policy development on sustainable wastewater treatment technologies.

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