Graphene is a two-dimensional nanomaterial with unique characteristics that can be used to efficiently remove organic pollutants in the aqueous system via adsorption and photocatalytic degradation. This review was organized to offer valuable insights into the mechanisms regulating the graphene and its related nanomaterials as the platform for the treatment of various organic pollutants in aqueous media. To this end, the performance variables of graphene, functionalized graphene, and graphene-supported materials are evaluated for such applications in some respects. Our discussion is extended further to describe regeneration and reuse of these nanomaterials along with future challenges encountered in their applications, especially on toxicity and stability aspects. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.