A sustainable approach to wastewater treatment is achieved through pollutant polymerization, polymer recovery and catalyst reuse, enabled by the design of a Ni–Zn layered double hydroxide catalyst.

Freshwater ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity and climate resilience, yet they are often neglected in global climate policies. Here the authors present a global map of high-value freshwater ecosystems, providing a practical foundation for integrating freshwater ecosystems for climate adaptation and mitigation through targeted restoration.

Lakes fed by melting and retreating glaciers are becoming important freshwater reservoirs, and their value depends on their storage capacity and sedimentation-dependent lifespan. This study estimates the volumes and lifespans of >70,000 glacial lakes globally as of 2020, improving our understanding on the potential of these lakes and the sustainable use of these reservoirs.

Microbial consortia offer a promising route for sustainable wastewater treatment but are often constrained by inefficient interspecies metabolic interactions. This study shows that hydrogel-defined mesospace confinement enhances interspecies cross-feeding by regulating transmembrane transport and metabolite retention, improving pathway selectivity and treatment efficiency.

Escalating phosphorus pollution and depleting reserves necessitate sustainable control and recovery strategies. Here the authors develop a microbially enhanced La–Zr-loaded basalt system that achieves over 90% phosphorus removal and recovery, promoting a circular economy and reducing ecological impacts, offering an economically superior alternative to traditional chemical methods.

Three years after the launch of Nature Water, we assess our development as a journal and provide clearer guidance on the boundaries of our scope.

Wastewater treatment plants harbour extensive but poorly characterized microbial genetic diversity. Using 828 metagenomes from wastewater treatement plants globally, this study reconstructs >24,000 metagenome-assembled genomes, including >12,000 new species, providing a genome-resolved framework for understanding and engineering activated sludge functions.

Underserved regions need electricity-free purifiers for clean water. Membranes with ultra-permeable nanofiltration performance present a promising route to delivering high-quality water purification without reliance on power or complex configuration.

A membrane system operating without electricity and inspired by natural fractal transport patterns achieves exceptional nanofiltration performance, offering a simple and reliable source of potable water for decentralized communities.