<p>Polymeric membranes (PMs) have recently emerged as a versatile technology for a wide range of environmental applications, including water purification, wastewater treatment, desalination, air filtration, and gas separation. Both solids and liquid PMs have been employed extensively in environmental remediation. However, the bare PMs frequently have various limitations that restrict their effectiveness in environmental remediation. Therefore, to enhance their selectivity, stability, permeability, antifouling, and mechanical properties, PMs are generally modified with a variety of materials, including nanomaterials, biochar and hydrochars, zeolites, polymeric additives, and zwitterions. Incorporating hydrochar and biochar into PMs provides enhanced hydrophilicity, mechanical strength, thermal stability, adsorption capacities, and eco-friendliness. Hydrochar/biochar-based PMs have been extensively employed for sustainable and effective remediation of various pollutants from water, including heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, dyes, pesticides, and inorganic ions. This review delves deeply into the latest advancements in PMs, modified PMs, and hydrochar/biochar-based PMs for the sustainable removal of various pollutants from the environment. In addition, the article discusses all the challenges and limitations that come with modified or unmodified PMs, explores potential solutions, and offers an in-depth analysis of current research and prospects for the development of modern PMs.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>