This study examines research published over the last five years on the use of zeolites in sewage sludge treatment, with a focus on technological applicability. The analysis combines bibliometric mapping using VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) with a structured SWOT-based critical evaluation to assess research trends and technical performance associated with zeolite application. The bibliometric findings indicate that research on zeolite use in sludge treatment is closely linked to broader thematic areas such as adsorption processes and contaminant immobilization, underscoring its relevance within efforts to optimize sludge treatment technologies. The reviewed studies demonstrate the potential of zeolites in sludge conditioning and contaminant stabilization, primarily through adsorption mechanisms; however, reported performance levels vary depending on material characteristics and operational conditions. In addition, most investigations remain at laboratory scale, and the absence of standardized methodologies limits direct comparability and large-scale assessment. Overall, the combined bibliometric and SWOT-based assessment provides a structured evaluation of the current state and technological potential of zeolite use in sewage sludge treatment. Future research should prioritize methodological harmonization and validation under operational conditions representative of full-scale implementation to support sustainable sludge management practices.
Rad et al. (Sat,) studied this question.