Abstract
Technosols represent the group of soils whose properties and functions were defined by human action, formed from technogenic diagnostic materials. In this study, we use bibliometric techniques to investigate how environmental contamination has been addressed in global Technosol research and identify research trends that contribute to adequate Technosol management. We use 567 papers on Technosols from around the world available in the Web of Science database (2006–2021). Our results indicated that 34.2% of the global research on Technosols was related to environmental contamination, with significant growth over the years (R2 = 0.88). France was responsible for 29.8% of global research in contaminated Technosols. The main contaminant agents in Technosols were the heavy metals and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), with a higher highlight for the first. Among the polluting metals, a greater concern was directed to the Pb, followed, in descending order, by the Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni, Cr, and As. The mining tailings were the main sources of the contaminant material. The combined effects of different pollutants, such as toxic metals and PAHs, in the biological community of Technosols and the combined use of environmental restoration strategies (phytoremediation and uses of organic compound, biochar, and biofertilizers) can be considered the main research trends in contaminated Technosols. Our results can be useful for research institutions and researchers around the world that seek development of strategies for the use and management of Technosols at the global level.
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Oliveira Filho, J.d.S., Pereira, M.G. Is Environmental Contamination a Concern in Global Technosols? A Bibliometric Analysis. Water Air Soil Pollut 234, 142 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-023-06171-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-023-06171-5