This paper provides the literature on the investigation of biological organic removals of monoethanolamine (MEA) in an activated sludge system. A total of 31 papers cited and discussed with the purpose of providing information and understanding on the main topic of the research. The content of the paper includes several removal methods of MEA in wastewater, in the removal of contaminants, such as Advanced Oxidation Process, Adsorption Process, Membrane Technologies, and Biological Treatment Process. The Toxicity and Corrosivity of MEA on microorganisms were too discussed. At the end of each discussion made, the essence of research is presented for future researches, which will be useful for academics and practitioners. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.