Research in Petroleum and Environment: A Bibliometric Analysis in South America

Petroleum is a crucial resource that has globally influenced the scientific community and socio-economic development. However, its industrial processes negatively affect the natural environment. This research aims to analyse the intellectual structure of the petroleum and environment relationship in South American countries' contributions through bibliometric methods. The study presents a methodology: i) establishing search criteria; ii) initial search results; iii) refinement of results; iv) data analysis. Bibliometric methods were incorporated to analyse the performance of scientific production, and its mapping, allowing to reveal its structure. The results show a growth of this field of study (538 articles) through the contribution of countries, institutions and authors. Most of the studies related to oil and environment carried out by Brazil (399 articles) have a strong collaboration with Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay and partnerships with countries outside the region such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Spain. In addition, seven research themes were found (Biomarkers-petroleum derivatives, bioremediation, bioproductive processes, hydrocarbon-environmental, pollution effects, mangrove pollution, oil spill-simulation). This study provided relevant information on environmental pollution reflected in diverse sectors of South America (coastal and Amazonian areas). It showed several environmental remediation methods focused on microorganisms, biosurfactants, microbial residues, ionic processes and phytoremediation. Therefore, this research allows us to obtain meaningful and current information on the art state in this field of study.