The hydraulic conductivity of fuel permeated geosynthetic clay liners: a bibliometric study

The use of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) as a hydraulic barrier for contaminants containment has proved to be an efficient alternative for the soil and groundwater protection. This geocomposite can be used in engineering systems to contain accidental spills and leaks of fuel in distribution centers, reservoirs and resulting from transport, where the geosynthetic acts as a protection against subsoil contamination. However, there is a concern about the behavior of GCLs in the face of these contaminants about possible changes in their properties, in order to compromise the retention capacity and permeability of the material. In this regard, the present work aimed to carry out a systemic and bibliometric study of publications related to the hydraulic conductivity of GCLs after contact with some type of fuel, available in the Scopus database (Elsevier) and Web of Science (Clarivate). The primary data selected directly from the databases were analyzed, making it possible to filter the publications that made up the bibliographic portfolio of the research, resulting in 14 selected documents, which were synthesized, and the main points were highlighted. From the bibliographic portfolio, bibliometric indexes of scientific production were created, as well as the temporal distribution of publications, authors, countries, and scientific journals that most contribute to the theme and the terms most evidenced in the documents. The panorama observed through bibliometrics was that it is a very recent theme, which still has a lack of scientific production, revealing itself as a promising area for the development of research.