<p>This paper focuses on the characterization of red mud, its modification and application in environmental management, and provides a comprehensive study of the current status of the utilization of red mud, a by-product of the alumina production process. This review is structured around three main aspects: (i) the characterization of red mud and the influence of production technologies on its composition, (ii) modification strategies such as acid treatment, thermal activation, and composite formation to improve its properties, and (iii) environmental applications including wastewater treatment, catalytic degradation of industrial pollutants, and air pollution control. Studies have shown that red mud is characterized by high alkalinity, rich metal oxide content, and a relatively large specific surface area, making it a promising candidate for use as an adsorbent and catalyst. In addition to discussing the changes brought about by different production technologies and their effects on the composition of red mud, possible environmental hazards associated with improper storage and disposal of red mud were evaluated. To enhance its adsorption and catalytic performance, red mud has been modified through approaches including acid treatment, thermal activation, and composite formation. The study highlights the potential applications of red mud in wastewater treatment, emphasizing its adsorption and catalytic degradation for the removal of pollutants such as phosphorus, fluorine, arsenic and organic pollutants. The study also discusses its application in catalytic processes for industrial pollutants and its application in air pollution control. Finally, the potential of red mud in reducing environmental pollution and waste disposal problems associated with alumina production is thoroughly examined from the perspective of sustainable use, providing theoretically supported applications for creative use of red mud.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>