Water pollution is a major global challenge demanding innovative and sustainable solutions. Biomaterials, with their inherent advantages, offer a promising alternative to conventional water treatment methods. This review explores the potential of modified biomaterials for water pollutant removal. We discuss various modification strategies such as surface modification, porosity control, functionalization, and composite formation, explaining how they enhance the interaction between biomaterials and pollutants. The primary removal mechanisms, including adsorption, chelation, and size exclusion have been addressed. Additionally, the review explores biodegradation, a unique advantage offered by biomaterials derived from living organisms, and its role in achieving complete pollutant removal. This review underlines the exciting potential of biomaterials in addressing the global water pollution crisis and paving the way for a cleaner future.