Circular Economy and Water Sustainability: Systematic Review of Water Management Technologies and Strategies (2018–2024)
Gary Christiam Farfán Chilicaus, Luís Edgardo Cruz Salinas, Pedro Manuel Silva León, Danny Alonso Lizarzaburu Aguinaga, Persi Vera Zelada, Luis Alberto Vera Zelada, Elisa Luque, Rolando Licapa-Redolfo, Emma Verónica Ramos Farroñán
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.