This review discusses the application of bismuth-based Z-scheme heterojunction (BBZSH) photocatalysts for the remediation of contaminated water. The article highlights the importance of addressing global issues such as pollution, which threatens sustainable development. It reviews recent studies on BBZSH photocatalysts, focusing on their synthesis methods, efficiency-enhancing strategies, classifications, degradation mechanisms, and applications in removing organic dyes, antibiotics, aromatics, endocrine-disrupting compounds, and volatile organic compounds from water. Challenges and future perspectives of BBZSH photocatalysts are also discussed. BBZSH photocatalysts are considered the best alternative to overcome the limitations of single-component bismuth-based semiconductor (BBSc) photocatalysts. They improve charge carrier separation efficiency through enhanced kinetics and robust redox ability. The Z-scheme heterojunction system enhances photocatalytic efficiency compared to traditional heterojunction composites. BBZSH photocatalysts are effective in degrading pollutants due to their unique properties, such as visible light responsiveness, tunable band structure, and layered structures. BBSc photocatalysts include metallic bismuth, binary compounds, ternary oxides, and multicomponent oxides. Bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃) exists in different crystal phases, each with unique properties. Bismuth sulfide (Bi₂S₃) is another compound with different crystal phases. Ternary oxides like BiOX and Aurivillius oxides are also discussed, along with their structures and properties. The Z-scheme heterojunction has evolved into four generations, with the first generation using liquid mediators and the fourth generation using S-scheme heterojunctions. The Z-scheme heterojunction improves photocatalytic activity by facilitating charge separation and redox reactions. The S-scheme heterojunction enhances photocatalytic activity through synergistic effects and broadened spectral response. Efficiency-enhancing strategies for BBSc photocatalysts include heterojunction construction, band gap engineering, cocatalyst deposition, and morphology control. Doping with elements like nitrogen or sulfur can narrow the band gap and extend light absorption into the visible range. Cocatalysts such as noble metals or NiO can enhance charge carrier separation and improve reaction efficiency. The photocatalytic degradation mechanisms in Z- and S-scheme heterojunctions involve the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes. The Z-scheme heterojunction facilitates efficient charge separation and redox reactions, while the S-scheme heterojunction enhances photocatalytic activity through synergistic effects and broadened spectral response. The review concludes with challenges and future perspectives of BBZSH photocatalysts, emphasizing their potential for environmental remediation and energy conversion.This review discusses the application of bismuth-based Z-scheme heterojunction (BBZSH) photocatalysts for the remediation of contaminated water. The article highlights the importance of addressing global issues such as pollution, which threatens sustainable development. It reviews recent studies on BBZSH photocatalysts, focusing on their synthesis methods, efficiency-enhancing strategies, classifications, degradation mechanisms, and applications in removing organic dyes, antibiotics, aromatics, endocrine-disrupting compounds, and volatile organic compounds from water. Challenges and future perspectives of BBZSH photocatalysts are also discussed. BBZSH photocatalysts are considered the best alternative to overcome the limitations of single-component bismuth-based semiconductor (BBSc) photocatalysts. They improve charge carrier separation efficiency through enhanced kinetics and robust redox ability. The Z-scheme heterojunction system enhances photocatalytic efficiency compared to traditional heterojunction composites. BBZSH photocatalysts are effective in degrading pollutants due to their unique properties, such as visible light responsiveness, tunable band structure, and layered structures. BBSc photocatalysts include metallic bismuth, binary compounds, ternary oxides, and multicomponent oxides. Bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃) exists in different crystal phases, each with unique properties. Bismuth sulfide (Bi₂S₃) is another compound with different crystal phases. Ternary oxides like BiOX and Aurivillius oxides are also discussed, along with their structures and properties. The Z-scheme heterojunction has evolved into four generations, with the first generation using liquid mediators and the fourth generation using S-scheme heterojunctions. The Z-scheme heterojunction improves photocatalytic activity by facilitating charge separation and redox reactions. The S-scheme heterojunction enhances photocatalytic activity through synergistic effects and broadened spectral response. Efficiency-enhancing strategies for BBSc photocatalysts include heterojunction construction, band gap engineering, cocatalyst deposition, and morphology control. Doping with elements like nitrogen or sulfur can narrow the band gap and extend light absorption into the visible range. Cocatalysts such as noble metals or NiO can enhance charge carrier separation and improve reaction efficiency. The photocatalytic degradation mechanisms in Z- and S-scheme heterojunctions involve the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes. The Z-scheme heterojunction facilitates efficient charge separation and redox reactions, while the S-scheme heterojunction enhances photocatalytic activity through synergistic effects and broadened spectral response. The review concludes with challenges and future perspectives of BBZSH photocatalysts, emphasizing their potential for environmental remediation and energy conversion.