Water and Waste Water Treatment Research in Mexico and Its Occurrence in Relation to Sustainable Development Goal 6

In Mexico, 95% of the population has access to drinking water sources, but only about 65% of domestic waste water is treated to safe levels. This study analyzes forty years of Mexican scientific production on water and waste water treatment through a bibliometric and conceptual approach, evaluating its contribution Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. The analysis identified three major research clusters: (1) biological processes for water treatment, (2) development and optimization of physical–chemical processes, and (3) water quality and management. These themes reflect the evolution of biological approaches for identifying and removing organic contaminants, the application of advanced techniques for improving water quality, and the promotion of sustainable water use. The study also highlights the growing attention to emerging contaminants, nanotechnology, integrated water resource management, and persistent challenges in sanitation. With respect to SDG 6, Mexican research has mainly focused on targets 6.1 (universal and equitable access to drinking water), 6.3 (water quality), and 6.5 (water resources management), while targets 6.2 (sanitation), 6.a (international cooperation), and 6.b (community participation) remain underrepresented compared with the international benchmarks, where the research trend is on water management, resources, and the water–food–energy nexus. Finally, the findings also show synergies with SDGs 11 (sustainable cities and communities), 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), and 3 (good health and well-being), although gaps persist in addressing equitable access to water and society participation.