Circular Economy and Water Sustainability: Systematic Review of Water Management Technologies and Strategies (2018–2024)

Farfán Chilicaus G.C.; Cruz Salinas L.E.; Silva León P.M.; Lizarzaburu Aguinaga D.A.; Vera Zelada P.; Vera Zelada L.A.; Luque Luque E.O.; Licapa Redolfo R.; Ramos Farroñán E.V. · Sustainability (Switzerland) (2025) · DOI: 10.3390/su17146544

Resumen

The transition toward a circular water economy addresses accelerating water scarcity and pollution. A PRISMA-2020 systematic review of 50 peer-reviewed articles (January 2018–April 2024) mapped current technologies and management strategies, seeking patterns, barriers, and critical bottlenecks. Bibliometric analysis revealed the following three dominant patterns: (i) rapid diffusion of membrane bioreactors, constructed wetlands, and advanced oxidation processes; (ii) research geographically concentrated in Asia and the European Union; (iii) industry’s marked preference for by-product valorization. Key barriers—high energy costs, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and low social acceptance—converge as critical constraints during scale-up. The following three practical action lines emerge: (1) adopt progressive tariffs and targeted tax credits that internalize environmental externalities; (2) harmonize water-reuse regulations with comparable circularity metrics; (3) create multi-actor platforms that co-design projects, boosting local legitimacy. These findings provide policymakers and water-sector practitioners with a clear roadmap for accelerating Sustainable Development Goals 6, 9, and 12 through circular, inclusive, low-carbon water systems.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica; Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Chota; Universidad César Vallejo