<p>Water pollution caused by the increasing concentration of toxic chemicals, such as heavy metal ions, pesticides, pharmaceutical waste, and plastic contaminants, has become a global issue. The rising levels of these pollutants pose significant health risks to humans and various species. Recently, adsorption has emerged as a promising method for removing these contaminants. This review focuses on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as adsorbents, highlighting their large surface areas and adjustable porosity, which optimize the adsorption process. The review analyzes the active sites within MOFs, their roles in adsorption mechanisms, and the underlying chemistry involved. It also discusses the structural chemistry of MOFs and its impact on pollutant removal efficiency. Furthermore, the review addresses stability, scalability, and economic feasibility challenges. Finally, it suggests future research directions for next-generation MOF materials to enhance their effectiveness in sustainable environmental remediation, ultimately improving our ability to combat contamination issues and protect healthy ecosystems.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>