Mapping the Evolution of Surfactant-Based Environmental Remediation: Research Trends and Emerging Technologies in Groundwater and Soil Systems

This study provides a bibliometric analysis of global research on surfactant applications in subsurface remediation over the period 2010–2025, with the objective of mapping the scientific development, knowledge structure, and emerging research fronts in this field. A total of 359 documents indexed in Scopus were examined in February 2025 using bibliometric methods, including citation analysis, total link strength (TLS), co-authorship networks, and keyword co-occurrence mapping and included English-language research articles, review papers, conference papers, and book chapters. Visualization and analytical outputs were generated using tools such as VOSviewer to interpret research patterns and relationships. The annual number of publications increased steadily throughout the study period, corresponding to an average yearly growth rate of 6.9%. The citation structure is highly uneven, where a relatively small number of publications and authors contribute disproportionately to overall citation impact. Review papers play a central role in consolidating knowledge and guiding research development, reflecting increasing consolidation of the field. Keyword analysis reveals a stable core focus on surfactant-enhanced remediation, alongside emerging topics such as PFAS contamination, biosurfactants, and integrated surfactant–oxidation treatment systems. Overall, this study offers a structured quantitative overview of the intellectual landscape of surfactant-based remediation research and identifies key trends, gaps, and future directions for advancing sustainable subsurface contamination management.