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Bibliometric analysis of global research on white rot fungi biotechnology for environmental application

Summary

White rot fungi are special mushrooms that can break down difficult-to-decompose pollutants in soil and water, offering a natural and cost-effective way to clean up environmental contamination. This research study analyzed over 3,900 scientific publications about using these fungi for environmental cleanup from 2003 to 2020. The analysis found that research on white rot fungi has grown significantly, with scientists from China and the USA leading the field, and identified three major application areas: treating biomass waste, removing dyes from wastewater, and cleaning polluted environments.

Background

White rot fungi (WRF) have received significant attention as biotechnological tools for environmental pollution control due to their unique ability to degrade lignin and various xenobiotic compounds. Industrial activities have increased toxic substance release into soil, water, and air, creating urgent need for cost-effective, ecologically responsible remediation methods. Most bioremediation research has focused on bacteria, with fungal remediation gaining attention only in recent decades.

Objective

To systematically and comprehensively describe the progress, trends, and hotspots of WRF biotechnology in environmental pollution control through bibliometric analysis. The study aimed to identify productive countries, institutions, journals, and authors; analyze cooperation relationships; understand research topics through keyword analysis; and propose research frontiers.

Results

China and USA were the most productive countries with 613 and over 300 publications respectively. Spain showed highest citation impact with researchers publishing highly influential work. Main research clusters identified: biomass waste pretreatment, dye wastewater decolorization, and environmental bioremediation. Key terms were laccase, biodegradation, decolorization, and Phanerochaete chrysosporium.

Conclusion

The bibliometric analysis reveals WRF biotechnology research has entered a stable phase with fluctuating publication numbers post-2009. Research frontiers include lignocellulose biomass pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and biological pretreatment technologies. International cooperation remains limited despite potential benefits, particularly between leading research countries.
  • Published in:Environmental Science and Pollution Research International,
  • Study Type:Bibliometric Analysis,
  • Source: PMID: 34355311; DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15787-1
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