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

Gary Christiam Farfán Chilicaus, Luis Edgardo Cruz Salinas, Pedro Manuel Silva León, Danny Alonso Lizarzaburu Aguinaga, Persi Vera Zelada, Luis Alberto Vera Zelada, Elmer Ovidio Luque Luque, Rolando Licapa Redolfo and Emma Verónica Ramos Farroñán ()
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Gary Christiam Farfán Chilicaus: Institute for Research in Science and Technology, César Vallejo University, Campus Chepén-Callao, Trujillo 13001, Peru
Luis Edgardo Cruz Salinas: Institute for Research in Science and Technology, César Vallejo University, Campus Chepén-Callao, Trujillo 13001, Peru
Pedro Manuel Silva León: Institute for Research in Science and Technology, César Vallejo University, Campus Chepén-Callao, Trujillo 13001, Peru
Danny Alonso Lizarzaburu Aguinaga: Institute for Research in Science and Technology, César Vallejo University, Campus Chepén-Callao, Trujillo 13001, Peru
Persi Vera Zelada: School of Forestry and Environmental Engineering, National Autonomous University of Chota, Chota 06120, Peru
Luis Alberto Vera Zelada: Faculty of Engineering, Professional School of Mining Engineering, National University of Cajamarca, Cajamarca 06001, Peru
Elmer Ovidio Luque Luque: Faculty of Engineering, Professional School of Mining Engineering, National University of Cajamarca, Cajamarca 06001, Peru
Rolando Licapa Redolfo: Faculty of Engineering Sciences, National University of Huancavelica, Huancavelica 09000, Peru
Emma Verónica Ramos Farroñán: Institute for Research in Science and Technology, César Vallejo University, Campus Chepén-Callao, Trujillo 13001, Peru

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-31

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: circular water economy; systematic review; membrane bioreactor; advanced oxidation processes; constructed wetlands; water-reuse policy; social acceptance; sustainable development goals (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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