Advances in Structural and Functional Design of Adsorbents for Nitrate Removal

Nitrate contamination of surface water and groundwater remains a worldwide concern due to its adverse effects on human health. Although several conventional methods are available for nitrate removal, each faces practical limitations related to cost, selectivity, secondary waste generation, or operational complexity. In this context, adsorption has emerged as a promising alternative because of its operational simplicity and effectiveness over a wide range of conditions. This review provides an overview of recent advances in nitrate removal, with particular attention to adsorption, and evaluates how adsorbent structure, morphology, and surface chemistry control nitrate uptake. It also considers nitrate selectivity in the presence of competing ions, which is critical for practical applications. In addition, the review discusses regeneration strategies to minimize spent brine management issues, along with the use of sustainable materials. Overall, it highlights the main challenges and research directions that need to be addressed to improve the practical applicability of adsorption‐based nitrate removal.