<p>Water pollution has become a critical global issue that threatens both ecological systems and public health, highlighting the urgent need for effective and sustainable purification technologies. Gelatin-based materials are promising candidates for water purification due to their biodegradability, non-toxicity, and tunable physicochemical properties. These materials have shown promising results in removing a wide range of pollutants, including heavy metals, dyes, oils, and pathogens, making them suitable for diverse water treatment processes such as coagulation, flocculation, filtration, and adsorption. Experimental studies have confirmed their strong performance across different water treatment contexts, indicating their promise for real-world implementation. Among these, adsorption is particularly effective in eliminating heavy metals and organic contaminants. Gelatin’s versatility in various forms, such as hydrogels, aerogels, and membranes—enhances its applicability across different purification methods. The unique functional groups in gelatin, including hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, contribute to its strong adsorption capacity. However, practical implementation on a large scale is hindered by challenges such as mechanical instability, pH sensitivity, and limited reusability, which must be addressed to ensure reliable performance in diverse water treatment settings. Despite these challenges, gelatin-based materials show considerable promise for sustainable water purification. Future research should focus on improving durability and efficiency through eco-friendly cross-linking strategies, such as using citric acid or genipin, and developing hybrid composites with enhanced structural and functional stability. With these advancements, gelatin-based materials represent a sustainable and adaptable solution to modern water purification challenges, offering both environmental compatibility and functional efficiency.</p>