Global advances and innovations in bacteria-based biosorption for heavy metal remediation: a bibliometric and analytical perspective.

This article provides a comprehensive bibliometric and analytical review of global research on bacterial biosorption for heavy metal remediation in wastewater from 1987 to 2024. It highlights significant advancements such as the integration of nanotechnology and genetic engineering to enhance bacterial adsorption efficiency and selectivity, positioning bacterial biosorption as a cost-effective, sustainable green technology applicable in industries like textiles, mining, and energy. The study identifies key bacterial strains (e.g., *Aspergillus versicolor*, *Shewanella oneidensis* MR-1) capable of achieving heavy metal removal efficiencies exceeding 99%, and discusses the underlying adsorption mechanisms involving bacterial cell wall functional groups. It also addresses ecological and public health benefits, challenges in scaling up applications, and future research directions including artificial intelligence integration, nanomaterial enhancements, and policy development. The review underscores the interdisciplinary nature of this field and calls for sustainable, safe, and economically feasible bacterial biosorption strategies aligned with global environmental and health goals.