Abstract <p>Water is essential to life and underpins food security and economic growth. In this review, we assess the latest cutting-edge studies on emerging contaminants (ECs) in wastewater (WW) and explore recent advances in waste-to-wealth valorization through WWT technologies. Initially, the effects of new pollutants on the environment, human health, and economic growth have been reviewed. Next, conventional and advanced WWT processes have been discussed with examples. Then, WW treatment (WWT) technologies, such as membrane, advanced biotechnology, and zero-waste discharge processes, have been discussed in detail with examples. Consequently, the review explains cutting-edge biotechnologies and hybrid systems used in waste-to-wealth conversion of WW into assets, such as energy production, value-added products, carbon emission reduction, and water recycling, all of which support the circular economy. The review also discusses zero-waste discharge systems that have been used to remove ECs, generate energy, and produce other value-added products. Furthermore, the zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems and their efficiency (e.g., ECs removal with an efficacy of 99.9%, develop value-added products with an efficacy of 99.9%, recycle 91% water, and save ca.&#xa0;88% energy) have also been discussed. Ultimately, this review paper highlights the challenges and outlook of ECs removal and waste-to-wealth conversion of WW resources for sustainable generation of energy and value-added products in WWT plants. This review paper will serve as a useful reference for universities, researchers, municipalities, industries, agriculture, and policymakers with a holistic understanding of ECs removal and waste-to-wealth sustainability of WW resources.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>