Adsorption as a predominant technology for industrial wastewater treatment: a systematic review.

Abstract

The treatment of industrial wastewater is a critical environmental problem due to the increase of chemical and biological pollutants generated by growing industrialisation, which has led to an urgent need for efficient solutions. This article aims to critically analyse adsorption as a predominant technology in the treatment of these effluents, evaluating its effectiveness, sustainability and feasibility compared to conventional methods. The research was carried out through a systematic review of the scientific literature, using the Scopus database, applying the PICOC methodology and the PRISMA method to select relevant studies published between 2017 and 2024. The main results indicate that adsorption is highly efficient in removing various pollutants, including heavy metals, dyes and organic compounds, with efficiencies of up to 100% in some cases, the most effective adsorbents being activated carbon, zeolites and biosorbents. The findings indicate that adsorption is a versatile and operationally simple technology, which makes it attractive for resource-constrained industries; however, it faces challenges such as the cost of adsorbents and the need for regeneration, which drives research towards the development of more efficient and sustainable materials.