The use of seashells to replace traditional cement-based materials and study their adsorption capacity for pollutants can expand the functional engineering application range of cement-based materials. This paper first reviewed the principles of adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms to demonstrate the adsorption mechanism of seashell materials. Then the effects of pH valuecontact time pollutant concentration and other factors on the adsorption of heavy metal ions and basic dyes to seashells were discussed. Finallythe relevant applications of seashells in the construction field were reviewed. The results show that the experimental use of seashells instead of cementitious materials or natural aggregates in cement-based materials shows good adsorption capacity. The optimal pH value in the process of seashell adsorption is 5~7the active site on the surface of seashell particles is limitedand that it would reach saturation at a certain concentration. The active site of seashell would increase with the decrease of particle sizeso the seashell powder with small particle size is conducive to enhancing the absorption capacity and removal efficiency. By analyzing the adsorption performance of seashell and the applications of seashell in cement-based materialsthis paper could provide ideas and methods for the design of functional cement-based adsorption materials from multiple angles.