Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis of Biomass Burning Research in Thailand (1997–2024)

Abstract

Biomass burning is a major driver of air pollution and climate-related impacts in Thailand, but a national-level synthesis of research efforts is lacking. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric and qualitative review of 256 peer-reviewed publications from 1997–2024, using Scopus-indexed data to explore research trends, thematic patterns, and existing gaps. The analysis reveals a strong emphasis on atmospheric chemistry, air quality modeling, and remote sensing, which collectively account for more than 60% of the research landscape. Studies frequently focus on pollutants such as PM2.5, PAHs, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals, with biomass burning identified as a dominant source, especially during the dry season in northern Thailand. Remote sensing platforms (e.g., MODIS, MOPITT) and chemical transport models (e.g., WRF-Chem) are commonly used to analyze emission patterns and pollutant dispersion, although empirical ground-based validation remains limited. Thematic clustering identified six qualitative research themes: air pollution and public health; atmospheric and environmental monitoring; emission inventories and climate; environmental policy and management; pollution source identification; and temporal and geographical variability. While monitoring and modeling approaches are well developed, significant research gaps exist in long-term health impacts, policy evaluation, and socio-environmental dimensions. Underrepresented areas include indoor air quality, agroecological transition, and the southern and border regions of Thailand. This review offers a foundational roadmap to guide future research and policy, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary integration, empirical data collection, and regional coordination to address the multifaceted impacts of biomass burning on Thailand’s environment and public health.