An Overview of Non-Point Source Pollution Modeling: Current Status and Future Prospect

Abstract

Non-point source (NPS) pollution control is an increasingly important topic in aquatic environment protection due to its significant adverse effect on water quality. Characterizing NPS pollution loads is crucial for preparing BMPs to improve water quality and protect the aquatic ecosystem. Modeling tools are commonly used for simulating NPS pollution in watersheds; however, the modeling process contains uncertainties and complications, which makes the prediction of NPS pollution loads challenging and complicated. To deal with this issue, significant progress has been made to address NPS pollution modeling problems in the past few decades. The current study reviews different approaches being used for NPS pollution modeling. In this context, the main methods in NPS modeling are described and classified into three categories. 1. Empirical models, 2. Physically based models, and 3. Simulation based optimization models. The present study contributes to fulfilling the gaps in the classification of NPS pollution modeling approaches and highlights the advantages and drawbacks of each approach in order to set a standard for choosing a proper simulation tool for estimating NPS pollution loads based on the limitations and requirements of the understudy circumstance.