Sustainable bioprocess engineering for integrated inland water remediation and waste-to-product conversion

Inland waters-vital freshwater resources and ecosystem carriers-face mounting pressures from eutrophication, heavy metals, and emerging organic pollutants. Bio-resource technologies (BRTs) harness microorganisms, plants, and algae for efficient contaminant removal, yet the resulting biomass poses both a challenge and an opportunity. Converting this biomass into value-added products links ecological restoration with circular economy principles. This review highlights the dual function of BRTs: purifying inland waters while generating useful feedstocks. Key challenges include seasonal variability, risks of secondary pollution, and balancing environmental benefits with economic feasibility. Techno-economic analysis and supportive policies are essential to ensure long-term sustainability. Future directions emphasize bioprocess optimization and integrated remediation-recovery systems to advance a circular bioeconomy and support carbon-neutral water management. Ultimately, BRTs reframes inland water restoration not merely as an environmental duty but as a strategic resource opportunity, offering low-carbon, forward-looking solutions aligned with global sustainability goals.