Green Chemistry Approaches in Water and Wastewater Treatment: Recent Advances, Sustainability Assessment, and Future Perspectives

Abstract

The increasing demand for clean water, coupled with rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth, has intensified pressure on global water resources and highlighted the need for sustainable wastewater management strategies. Conventional water and wastewater treatment methods are often associated with high energy consumption, the use of hazardous chemicals, and the generation of secondary pollutants. In this context, green chemistry has emerged as a promising framework for developing environmentally friendly and resource-efficient treatment technologies. This review paper examines recent advances in the application of green chemistry principles to water and wastewater treatment systems. Particular attention is given to bio-based adsorbents, green-synthesized nanomaterials, advanced oxidation processes, and sustainable membrane technologies. The environmental and economic benefits of these approaches, including reduced chemical usage, lower sludge production, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced resource recovery, are critically discussed. Furthermore, the study evaluates the major challenges limiting large-scale implementation, such as material costs, process scalability, and regulatory constraints. Future perspectives focusing on smart materials, solar-driven treatment systems, artificial intelligence-assisted process optimization, and circular water economy concepts are also explored. The findings demonstrate that integrating green chemistry principles into water treatment technologies can significantly improve sustainability performance while contributing to long-term water security and environmental protection. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current developments and offers valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and policymakers working toward sustainable water management solutions.