Indeed

polymeric materials have thrived in worldwide sectors over the last five decades due to their versatility and durability

to the point that we can no longer envisage a product that does not contain them. However

many synthetic polymers that have been produced are mostly sourced from petroleum and coal as raw materials

making them environmentally incompatible because they cannot be integrated with what is a natural recycling system. One of the most important aspects of the transition to a circular bioeconomy (CBE) is the provision of more sustainable strategies for resource and waste management. Considering the environmental consequences associated with petroleum-based polymers (PBPs)

natural biopolymers

originating from biomass

can be conceived as a promising solution to gradually replace the PBPs

and address

and resolve the potential challenges and prevailing research gaps in the PBPs. The biopolymers have significant advantages over PBPs in terms of low-cost/zero-cost precursors

environmental friendliness

and user-friendliness. The present review dissects the sources

synthesis pathways

structures

characterization

and employment of biopolymers and their composites in water and wastewater treatment applications

via

different

scenarios. Furthermore

the CBE model framework proposes potential approaches to applying CBE principles in the wastewater management sector

with a heavy emphasis on not only technology but also organizational and societal reforms. To sum up

the reliance on biopolymers can be considered a crucial tool for assessing the global progress toward CBE

as well as future environmental management and planning.