This brief gives a summary of the soluble bio-based substances (SBO) field. Urban bio-wastes of
differing compositions and ageing conditions represent a promising source of soluble bio-based
substances (SBO) potentially able to perform as chemical auxiliaries for applications in the
chemical industry and in environmental remediation. In particular SBO process development
characterization and scale-up is described and bioassay studies discussed. This brief also
discusses the use of SBOs in wastewater treatment in the context of 'green' processes their
role as humic-like substances and their potential use as photocatalysts for the degradation of
pollutants present in aqueous solutions (dyes pharmaceuticals chlorophenols). Furthermore
the role of SBOs as complexing agents for iron ions in the implementation of the photo-Fenton
processes under mild pH conditions is also explored. Finally SBOs are showcased in their
capacity as organic component alternatives to petrochemical products for the synthesis of new
materials.
