Effective Strategies for Managing Lithium Water Pollution: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction:

At the moment, calls for sustainable management approaches throughout the Lithium (Li) lifecycle have increased due to growing concerns about the environmental and societal impacts of Li extraction and use. Moreover, long-term exposure to elevated Li levels has been linked to thyroid, neurological, and renal problems in humans. Currently, no comprehensive evaluation exists that thoroughly evaluates the technological, policy, and environmental surveillance strategies for addressing Li water contamination across its entire life cycle. Therefore, this review aims to synthesize evidence on integrated management strategies, including technological innovations, policy measures, and environmental surveillance approaches, to prevent and mitigate Li contamination in surface water throughout its life cycle.

Methods:

This scoping review was developed using the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) Approach, which complied with the Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews. The Arksey and O'Malley (2005) framework's recommended actions were carried out. For the literature search, three databases were selected. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were the three primary databases chosen for this review. This review includes only articles published over the past 20 years (2004-2024). 

Results:

A total of 403 studies were identified, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. Among the 24 included studies, 42% were observational, 33% experimental, and 15% reviews. Seven thematic domains were identified: Surveillance (25%), Resource Recovery (33%), Water Filtration System (13%), Extraction (17%), Policy, Remediation, and Recycling (each 4%). Several interventions demonstrated high Li removal or recovery efficiencies, including adsorption and reverse osmosis, achieving up to 99% Li removal; precipitation, recovering 84–90% of Li; and bioleaching, yielding 100% Li recovery from waste batteries.

Conclusion:

A systematic, evidence-based approach is necessary for effective management of Li pollution. Moreover, to ensure that the global transition toward renewable and electrified energy remains sustainable and safeguards public health, Li management must evolve beyond mitigation to prevention and circularity. Therefore, a multifaceted strategy combining technological innovation, regulatory enforcement, and international cooperation is necessary to effectively manage Li pollution and ensure that green energy transitions remain environmentally responsible.