Nanomembrane and Electrochemical Approaches for Sustainable Water Purification and Metal Recovery: Water Treatment Methods

Advancing water treatment technologies has become increasingly critical as the need for sustainable wastewater management and resource recovery continues to grow. The rising complexity of water pollutants, including persistent organic compounds and emerging contaminants, has intensified the demand for purification strategies that surpass the capabilities of conventional methods. This chapter explores the membrane-based and electrochemical processes as systems for water purification, pollutant removal, and valuable resource extraction. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of nanomembranes and electrochemical systems in mitigating membrane fouling, enhancing selectivity, and improving overall treatment efficiency. Electrochemical techniques exhibit strong potential for the degradation of organic pollutants and the removal of heavy metal ions through controlled oxidation–reduction reactions. Various nanomembrane architectures and their functional advantages in water treatment are examined, highlighting pathways for improved contaminant rejection and recovery of strategic metals.