The versatility and effectiveness of bio-adsorbents in the removal of chemical pollutants from water: adsorption mechanisms, optimization by ANN and RSM, SWOT analysis, and contribution to the 3rd and 6 th Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

This review explores the growing role, versatility, and multiple benefits of plant- and agricultural-derived bioadsorbents in removing chemical pollutants, while highlighting their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). We emphasize the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness of these bioadsorbents through numerous case studies, while examining the toxicological impacts of pollutants on health and the environment. The study presents specific examples of bioadsorbents for the removal of heavy metals such as lead [Pb(II)], cadmium [Cd(II)], copper [Cu(II)], zinc [Zn(II)], chromium [Cr(VI)], arsenic [As(V)], mercury [Hg(II)], and uranium [U(VI)], as well as organic pollutants and dyes. We assess their adsorption efficiency, ease of production, and justify their applicability on a large scale. Furthermore, this review delves into adsorption mechanisms, different types of bioadsorbents, technical advances in adsorption and regeneration, process optimization [including modeling with artificial neural networks (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM)], as well as a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to comprehensively evaluate the challenges associated with the large-scale use of bioadsorbents in water treatment. The results demonstrate that the benefits, performance, and opportunities offered by these bioadsorbents far outweigh their limitations, making them a sustainable and promising alternative to chemical and synthetic adsorbents. Their versatility, low cost, sustainability, and contribution to the SDGs make them a future-proof solution for industrial wastewater remediation. By linking these aspects (efficiency, optimization, regeneration, economic and ecological sustainability) to the SDGs, this study aims to encourage the large-scale adoption of these solutions by governments and industries, while guiding future research toward even more efficient and sustainable processes. This review is based on an in-depth analysis of scientific literature, concrete case studies, and a strategic assessment (SWOT), providing a comprehensive overview of the potential of bioadsorbents in combating water pollution.