Ion exchange (IX) using synthetic resins is a cost-efficient technology to cope with a wide range of contaminants in water treatment. However, implementing IX processes is constrained by the regeneration of IX resins that generates a highly concentrated brine (i.e., IX brine), the disposal of which is costly and detrimental to ecosystems. In an effort to make the application of IX resins more sustainable in water treatment, substantial research has been conducted on the optimization of IX resins operation and the management of IX brine. The present review critically evaluates the literature surrounding IX operational strategies and IX brine management which can be used to limit the negative impacts arising from IX brine. To this end, we first analyzed the physicochemical characteristics of brines from the regeneration of IX resins. Then, we critically evaluated IX operational strategies that facilitate brine management, including resin selection, contactor selection, operational modes, and regeneration strategies. Furthermore, we analyzed IX brine management strategies, including brine reuse and brine disposal (without or with treatment). Finally, a novel workflow for the IX water treatment plant design that integrates IX operational strategies and IX brine management is proposed, thereby highlighting the areas that make IX technology more sustainable for water treatment.

使用合成树脂的离子交换 (IX) 是一种经济高效的技术，可以应对水处理中的各种污染物。然而，实施 IX 工艺受到 IX 树脂再生的限制，该树脂会产生高度浓缩的盐水（即 IX 盐水），其处理成本高昂且对生态系统有害。为了使 IX 树脂在水处理中的应用更具可持续性，已经对 IX 树脂操作的优化和 IX 盐水的管理进行了大量研究。本综述批判性地评估了有关 IX 操作策略和 IX 盐水管理的文献，这些文献可用于限制 IX 盐水引起的负面影响。为此，我们首先分析了 IX 树脂再生产生的盐水的理化特性。然后，我们严格评估了促进盐水管理的 IX 操作策略，包括树脂选择、接触器选择、操作模式和再生策略。此外，我们分析了 IX 盐水管理策略，包括盐水再利用和盐水处理（未经处理或经处理）。最后，提出了一种将 IX 操作策略和 IX 盐水管理相结合的 IX 水处理厂设计的新工作流程，从而突出了使 IX 技术在水处理方面更具可持续性的领域。