Harnessing Nature-Based Solutions for Water Purification and Sustainable Agriculture: Advancing SDG 6

Abstract

Access to clean water and sanitation is challenged by several critical factors, including population growth, pollution, agriculture being the largest consumer of freshwater, and climate change. Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to address the challenges mentioned above. The nature-based solutions (NbS) utilise natural processes to enhance water quality and strengthen ecosystem resilience, directly supporting SDG targets 6.3 (water quality) and 6.6 (ecosystem protection). The microbial communities perform bioremediation for wetland restoration and riparian buffer zones, which act as a natural filtration system. NbS methods for the agricultural sector include agroforestry, organic soil enhancers, conservation tillage, etc., to reinforce the ecosystem services. Heavy metals, fertilisers, and organic contaminants are successfully removed from water bodies using techniques including charcoal filtration, algal remediation, bioremediation, and nanomaterial-based solutions. This article aims to discuss the implementation of such sustainable NbS and green catalytic methods that can prevent toxic byproducts from industrial wastewater treatment from entering the aquatic biome. Incorporating NbS into policy frameworks and securing sustainable financing are vital steps for achieving long-term water security and sustainable development by 2030.