Innovative Technologies for Sustainable Water Treatment and Resource Recovery

Dear Colleagues,

Water scarcity and pollution are global challenges that transcend urban boundaries, affecting agricultural, industrial, and natural ecosystems alike. In response, there is a growing need for adaptable and sustainable technologies that not only treat water across diverse sources—including groundwater, surface water, industrial effluents, and decentralized systems—but also recover valuable resources to support circular economies.

This Special Issue focuses on innovative and cross-cutting technologies that advance sustainable water management beyond conventional urban wastewater systems. We welcome contributions that explore novel materials, processes, and smart systems designed for a wide range of water matrices and operational contexts—from rural and remote settings to industrial parks and coastal environments. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Advanced oxidation and reduction processes;
• Catalytic, photocatalytic, and electrochemical treatments;
• Next-generation membrane and separation technologies;
• Bio-based and hybrid treatment systems;
• Nanotechnology and functional materials for water decontamination;
• AI- and IoT-enabled monitoring, prediction, and process control;
• Energy-efficient desalination and brine management;
• Systems for simultaneous water purification and recovery of nutrients, metals, energy, and clean water.

We particularly encourage studies that emphasize scalability, environmental impact assessment, life-cycle analysis, and techno-economic viability across different geographical and socio-economic settings. The goal is to showcase technologies that are not only effective in controlled environments but also adaptable to real-world conditions in diverse regions—whether in water-stressed, industrialized, or developing areas.

This Special Issue aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and highlight innovations that can transform how water is treated and valued worldwide. We invite original research, critical reviews, and case studies that contribute to resilient, efficient, and equitable water futures.

Dr. Yichun Lu
Dr. Chong Wang
Prof. Dr. Chihhao Fan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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