Global trends in mangrove blue carbon research: a bibliometric analysis (1986-2023)

Abstract

Objective: Identify the central themes and research trends on blue carbon in mangroves through bibliometric analysis of the existing global scientific literature.

Design/methodology/approach: A total of 1,128 scientific papers obtained from Scopus for the period 1986-2023 were analyzed. The Bibliometrix package in R studio and VOSviewer were used for processing.

Results: Results from a total of 4,602 authors, 94 countries, 64 subject areas and 346 journals indicated an exponential growth (R²= 0.99) in mangrove carbon research. The most productive author, country, subject area, and journal were Lovelock, L. C., United States of America, environmental sciences, and Science of The Total Environment, respectively. The studies focused on four thematic areas: carbon storage, sedimentation, blue carbon dynamics, as well as climate change and anthropogenic impact. Topics related to blue carbon, carbon storage, climate change, restoration and remote sensing are of current interest to the scientific community.

Limitations on study/implications: Scopus covers a large number of peer-reviewed journals, but may omit some relevant research on the topic. Although the main research topics were identified, deeper information on each research topic is still needed.

Findings/conclusions: The four relevant global issues on blue carbon research in mangroves were identified, which can serve as a roadmap for researchers to orient effort and budget for future scientific research in a timely manner.