Delineating the fundamental attributes and traits of nature-based solutions in wastewater management

Water stress, exacerbated by population growth and climate change, necessitates sustainable wastewater management solutions that promote resource recovery and environmental protection. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) offer a viable alternative to conventional wastewater treatment by leveraging natural processes for water purification and ecosystem restoration. However, the lack of standardised criteria for defining and evaluating NBS in wastewater management has led to inconsistencies in research and practice. This study conducts a systematic review of NBS applications in wastewater treatment, using Scopus and Web of Science databases, to delineate their fundamental attributes and establish a structured evaluation framework. By assessing NBS against seven key characteristics, i.e., natural processes, sustainability and resilience, biodiversity enhancement, multifunctionality, community and stakeholder involvement, cost-effectiveness and engineering approach, this study provides a comprehensive framework for distinguishing genuine NBS from other nature-inspired interventions. The findings contribute to improving the scientific rigour of NBS classifications, ensuring their scalability and fostering their integration into environmental management. This study offers a novel methodological approach to evaluating the effectiveness and applicability of NBS in wastewater management, facilitating their broader adoption and guiding future policy and research directions.