<p>Synthetic dye discharge into water sources offers substantial environmental and health problems due to its toxicity, probable carcinogenic effects, and resistance to natural degradation. These qualities make dye removal from wastewater more difficult, and traditional treatment procedures frequently fail. Recent developments have highlighted the potential of silica-based nanoparticles in addressing this issue. Functionalized silica and biogenic silica are two major groups. Biogenic silica generated from agricultural leftovers provides a long-term and cost-effective option, whereas functionalized silica is known for its high surface area and ability to be tuned for specific dye interactions. This paper looks at different dye kinds, removal processes, and the use of silica nanoparticles in wastewater treatment. It also investigates present limitations, environmental concerns, and the need for additional research to improve the usability of these materials in industrial applications.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>