Towards sustainable aquaponics: a bibliometric analysis of trends, scientific developments, and thematic evolution

Aquaponics, a circular food production system integrating aquaculture and hydroponics, has emerged as a transformative model for sustainable agriculture, addressing critical issues related to resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and food security. This bibliometric analysis investigates 1369 publications indexed in the Scopus database from 2009 to 2024, employing the RStudio Bibliometrix tool to examine publication trends, research productivity, collaborative networks, and thematic evolution. The results reveal a strong annual growth rate of 34.23%, indicating accelerating global interest. The USA and China lead in publication output, while international collaborations constitute 33.75% of total research, reflecting the interdisciplinary and transboundary nature of aquaponic research. Thematic analysis uncovers a progression from foundational studies on water quality and nutrient recycling to emerging frontiers, including biochar applications, microbial community dynamics, IoT-enabled automation, and precision nutrient management. Cluster-wise mapping highlights research diversification across sustainability integration, technological innovation, circular economy principles, and urban adaptability. This study not only delineates the knowledge structure and research hotspots in aquaponics but also identifies future directions focused on scalability, standardization, and climate-resilient system design. The findings provide critical insights to guide policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in advancing aquaponics as a viable solution for ecologically sound and resilient food systems.