Polymers, with their highly designable characteristics and versatile functional groups, are rapidly growing as innovative materials for solving industrial and environmental challenges. In fields of resource processing and water treatment, polymers in nano- to macro-level architecture have been applied for the separation of ions (e.g., cationic and anionic), molecules (e.g., dyes, organic waste), and colloidal particles (e.g., minerals, coal, oil, and sands). Some polymers are introduced to porous media to separate targets via interaction, diffusion, and convection of substances. Polymers can also be used as an adsorbent and flocculant or made into nanoenabled polymer materials in resource processing and water treatment, to modify the characteristics of materials or to adsorb contaminants in water. Although polymers play important roles in resource processing and water treatment, there are several challenges remaining, such as the finding of ecofriendly and effective polymers, the interaction mechanisms of polymers with materials, and the extension of polymers’ application.

This special issue aims to collect original research and review articles on polymers applied to resource processing and water treatment. We encourage authors to submit their papers that investigate the structures and interaction mechanisms of polymers, seek or synthesize highly efficient polymers and polymer materials, study the effects of polymers on environment and living organism, and extend the applications of polymers in the field of resource processing and water treatment. In addition, we also hope to attract review articles which describe the current research state of polymers in resource processing and water treatment.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Polymeric flocculants and flocculation
• Polymeric dispersants
• Polymeric surface modifiers
• Porous polymeric adsorbents
• Polymers for tailing treatment
• Polymers for water purification
• Polymers for waste water treatment
• Nanoenabled polymer materials for resource processing and water treatment
• Effect of polymers on the environment and living organisms