Application of starch-based flocculants in wastewater treatment: Recent advances and prospects

Over the past decade, academic interest in sustainable starch-derived flocculants for wastewater treatment has surged, driven by their compelling advantages: cost-effectiveness, renewable feedstock availability, and somewhat environmental compatibility. However, existing studies have yet to comprehensively address critical aspects of these materials, including synthesis strategies, target contaminants, flocculation mechanisms, factors influencing flocculation efficiency, practical application barriers, and future development pathways. This review critically analyzes these research gaps while emphasizing the pivotal role of structure-property relationships in governing flocculation performance. To rigorously evaluate progress in this field, this review proposes a “five-dimensional comprehensive evaluation framework” encompassing five dimensions: Design & Synthesis, Dosage & Performance, Dynamics & Mechanism, Downstream impact, Durability & Economics. Through an in-depth examination of challenges hindering the practical implementation of starch-based flocculants, this review simultaneously explores future trajectories and application prospects. Ultimately, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation are essential to advance starch-based flocculants toward enhanced performance and expanded real-world utility.