Sustainable Hydrogels in Water Treatment—A Short Review

Abstract

The growing worldwide water shortage, intensified by pollution from industrial and human activities, highlights the urgent need for advanced, eco-friendly water treatment solutions. Hydrogels, which are three-dimensional polymer networks with exceptional water absorption capabilities, are gaining attention as effective materials for purification, thanks to their remarkable absorption, selectivity, and reusability. This review offers a concise introduction to hydrogels, focusing on their sustainable aspects such as biodegradability, minimal toxicity, and sourcing from renewable materials. We emphasize their benefits compared to traditional treatment approaches and outline the key goals of this review: categorizing and analyzing the synthesis, modification, characteristics, and varied uses of sustainable hydrogels in eliminating inorganic and organic contaminants. Additionally, we explore their potential for regeneration, current limitations, and future prospects in alignment with environmental sustainability.