Journal of Primeasia

Integrative Disciplinary Research | Online ISSN 3064-9870 | Print ISSN 3069-4353
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Journal of Primeasia

Volume 7 Number 1 2026

Article Contents

REVIEWS   (Open Access)
Contents Vol 7 (1)

Advanced Sorbents for Metal Ion Separation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Toward Sustainable Resource Recovery

Abstract 1. Introduction 2. Materials and Methods 3. Results 4. Discussion 5. Limitations 6. Conclusion References

Amena Khatun Manica 1*

+ Author Affiliations

Journal of Primeasia 7 (1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/primeasia.7110798

Submitted: 18 February 2026 Revised: 08 April 2026  Accepted: 13 April 2026  Published: 15 April 2026 

Abstract

The accelerating pace of industrialization and the global transition toward renewable energy technologies have intensified both environmental contamination by toxic metals and the strategic demand for critical raw materials. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium persist in ecosystems due to their non-biodegradable nature, posing long-term ecological and public health risks. Simultaneously, the rapid expansion of electric vehicles, wind energy systems, and advanced electronics has driven unprecedented demand for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, heightening concerns over supply security and resource sustainability. These parallel challenges have motivated the development of advanced sorbent materials capable of simultaneously supporting environmental remediation and secondary metal recovery. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes evidence from experimental and applied studies evaluating the performance of advanced sorbents—including engineered biochars, functionalized polymeric resins, nanosorbents, and biosorbents—for metal sequestration across diverse matrices such as industrial effluents, mining residues, electronic waste, and urban wastewater. Quantitative trends in adsorption capacity, selectivity, regeneration efficiency, and operational stability are critically assessed, with particular emphasis on structure–function relationships and surface chemistry. The review further examines how policy-driven circular economy initiatives and green chemistry innovations, including ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents, are reshaping sorbent-assisted recovery technologies. By integrating performance data with sustainability metrics, this study highlights the strengths and limitations of emerging sorbent platforms and identifies key knowledge gaps limiting large-scale deployment. The findings underscore the role of advanced sorbents as enabling tools for environmentally responsible metal management, bridging pollution control and resource recovery within circular economy frameworks.

Keywords: Advanced sorbents; heavy metals; critical raw materials; biochar; nanosorbents; biosorption; circular economy; systematic review; metal recovery

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