One of the most significant challenges for ecologists and researchers is the preservation of vital resources like water, including those used in industrial and residential settings, to ensure a safe and environmentally sustainable living environment “Heavy metal-containing water resources are, therefore, seen as a serious environmental concern. Heavy metal ions have been successfully removed using various traditional strategies, including ion exchange processes, precipitation by chemical methods, coagulation processes, and reverse osmosis (RO) in the aim of remedial measures. Because of its reversible properties, low price, expected outcomes, and design, as well as flexibility, adsorption is extensively used. Recent developments in the application of hydrogel, metal organic framework, bioabsorbent, and nano adsorptive membrane systems for wastewater treatment and heavy metal removal are discussed in detail in this overview. Adsorption-based techniques are widely used, easy to implement, and effective in eliminating contaminants like heavy metals. This overview will highlight the most recent studies and developments on different adsorbents in the removal of hazardous metals from water by focusing on their adsorption capability.