A review on the calculation of non-point source pollution loads

The non-point source pollution account for a large amount of the total pollution into water after most of the point source pollution is controlled. Therefore, an accurate calculation of non-point source pollution is regarded as the first step for water ecological restoration. This paper reviews traditional and current trends in watershed modelling on the calculation of non-point source pollution loads, including export coefficient models, empirically based models and physically based models. The utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) as part of a data-driven approach assists the empirically based models to yield better watershed modelling. The processes of modelling, required data and suited situation are introduced which may be helpful to policymakers in the business of pollution reduction and management.