Towards sustainable futures: A review of sediment remediation and resource valorization techniques

Sediment contamination has emerged as a pivotal concern within aquatic ecosystems, posing complex challenges to both ecological integrity and human health. This review comprehensively examines the current state of sediment pollution, with a focus on the physicochemical interactions and bioavailability of pollutants embedded in sediment matrices. Significant attention is given to the advancements in methodologies for pollutant detection and the development of cutting-edge remediation technologies. The review reveals a notable trend: conventional remediation methods are being progressively enhanced by sustainable approaches, such as phytoremediation and bioremediation, in alignment with circular economy principles. Additionally, this review synthesizes research on the extraction of valuable materials from sediments, including precious metals and organic substances for energy generation, highlighting the transformative potential of converting waste into valuable resources. The paper also addresses the multifarious challenges in sediment management, ranging from technical complexities to economic and regulatory hurdles, and discusses the collaborative roles of various stakeholders in developing effective policy frameworks. By weaving together multidisciplinary perspectives, this work significantly contributes to the discourse on sediment management, advocating for a paradigm shift towards resource recovery and sustainability. It emphasizes the critical need for a comprehensive approach to sediment contamination, one that equitably balances remediation efforts with resource conservation, thus providing strategic direction for future environmental stewardship within the realm of ecological science.