Cellulose-based hydrogels are promising materials for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater due to their biodegradability, low cost, and high adsorption capacity. This review summarizes recent advancements in the application of cellulose and cellulose derivative-based hydrogels for heavy metal ion removal. The study highlights the ability of these hydrogels to adsorb a wide range of heavy metal ions, with adsorption capacities varying from 2.3 to 2240 mg/g. The review discusses the synthesis methods of cellulose-based hydrogels, including physical and chemical cross-linking, and explores the mechanisms involved in heavy metal adsorption. It also presents recent applications of these hydrogels in wastewater treatment and discusses future directions for improving their effectiveness in real-world scenarios. The review emphasizes the importance of developing hydrogels with enhanced sorption performance and the need for further research to optimize their use in environmental applications. The study concludes that cellulose-based hydrogels offer a sustainable and efficient solution for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater, with potential for widespread application in environmental remediation.Cellulose-based hydrogels are promising materials for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater due to their biodegradability, low cost, and high adsorption capacity. This review summarizes recent advancements in the application of cellulose and cellulose derivative-based hydrogels for heavy metal ion removal. The study highlights the ability of these hydrogels to adsorb a wide range of heavy metal ions, with adsorption capacities varying from 2.3 to 2240 mg/g. The review discusses the synthesis methods of cellulose-based hydrogels, including physical and chemical cross-linking, and explores the mechanisms involved in heavy metal adsorption. It also presents recent applications of these hydrogels in wastewater treatment and discusses future directions for improving their effectiveness in real-world scenarios. The review emphasizes the importance of developing hydrogels with enhanced sorption performance and the need for further research to optimize their use in environmental applications. The study concludes that cellulose-based hydrogels offer a sustainable and efficient solution for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater, with potential for widespread application in environmental remediation.