IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v17y2025i13p5810-d1686383.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Artificial Intelligence Application in Nonpoint Source Pollution Management: A Status Update

Author

Listed:
  • Almando Morain

    (Office of International Agriculture Programs, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, 1740 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA)

  • Ryan Nedd

    (Biological Systems Engineering, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA)

  • Kevin Poole

    (Biological Systems Engineering, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA)

  • Lauren Hawkins

    (Biological Systems Engineering, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA)

  • Micala Jones

    (Biological Systems Engineering, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA)

  • Brian Washington

    (Biological Systems Engineering, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA)

  • Aavudai Anandhi

    (Biological Systems Engineering, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA)

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly advance the management of nonpoint source pollution (NPSP), a critical environmental issue characterized by diffuse sources and complex transport mechanisms. This study systematically examines current AI applications addressing NPSP through bibliometric and systematic analyses. A total of 124 studies were included after rigorous identification, screening, and eligibility assessments based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework. Key findings from the bibliometric analysis include publication trends, regional research contributions, author and journal contributions, and core concepts in NPSP. The systematic analysis further provided: (a) a comprehensive synthesis of NPSP characterization, covering pollution sources, key drivers, pollutants, transport pathways, and environmental impacts; (b) identification of emerging AI technologies such as the Internet of Things, unmanned aerial vehicles, and geographic information systems, and their potential applications in NPSP contexts; (c) a detailed classification of AI models used in NPSP assessment, highlighting predictors, predictands, and performance metrics specifically in water quality prediction and monitoring, groundwater vulnerability mapping, and pollutant-specific modeling; and (d) a critical assessment of knowledge gaps categorized into AI model development and validation, data constraints, governance and policy challenges, and system integration, alongside proposed targeted future research directions emphasizing adaptive governance, transparent AI modeling, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The findings from this study provide essential insights for researchers, policymakers, environmental managers, and communities aiming to implement AI-driven strategies to mitigate NPSP.

Suggested Citation

  • Almando Morain & Ryan Nedd & Kevin Poole & Lauren Hawkins & Micala Jones & Brian Washington & Aavudai Anandhi, 2025. "Artificial Intelligence Application in Nonpoint Source Pollution Management: A Status Update," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-40, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:5810-:d:1686383
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/13/5810/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/13/5810/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Shankar Subramaniam & Naveenkumar Raju & Abbas Ganesan & Nithyaprakash Rajavel & Maheswari Chenniappan & Chander Prakash & Alokesh Pramanik & Animesh Kumar Basak & Saurav Dixit, 2022. "Artificial Intelligence Technologies for Forecasting Air Pollution and Human Health: A Narrative Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-36, August.
    2. Fida Hussain & Shakeel Ahmed & Syed Muhammad Zaigham Abbas Naqvi & Muhammad Awais & Yanyan Zhang & Hao Zhang & Vijaya Raghavan & Yiheng Zang & Guoqing Zhao & Jiandong Hu, 2025. "Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution: Comprehensive Analysis of Sources and Assessment Methods," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-35, February.
    3. Bassam Tawabini & Mohamed A. Yassin & Mohammed Benaafi & John Adedapo Adetoro & Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani & S. I. Abba, 2022. "Spatiotemporal Variability Assessment of Trace Metals Based on Subsurface Water Quality Impact Integrated with Artificial Intelligence-Based Modeling," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-20, February.
    4. Ping Lei & Ram Kumar Shrestha & Bing Zhu & Suju Han & Hongbin Yang & Shaojun Tan & Jiupai Ni & Deti Xie, 2021. "A Bibliometric Analysis on Nonpoint Source Pollution: Current Status, Development, and Future," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-14, July.
    5. Hualin Xie & Yanwei Zhang & Zhilong Wu & Tiangui Lv, 2020. "A Bibliometric Analysis on Land Degradation: Current Status, Development, and Future Directions," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(1), pages 1-37, January.
    6. Siyoon Kwon & Hyoseob Noh & Il Won Seo & Sung Hyun Jung & Donghae Baek, 2021. "Identification Framework of Contaminant Spill in Rivers Using Machine Learning with Breakthrough Curve Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-26, January.
    7. Minhaz Farid Ahmed & Chen Kim Lim & Mazlin Bin Mokhtar & Rd. Puteri Khairani Khirotdin, 2021. "Predicting Arsenic (As) Exposure on Human Health for Better Management of Drinking Water Sources," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-14, July.
    8. Mosleh Hmoud Al-Adhaileh & Fawaz Waselallah Alsaade, 2021. "Modelling and Prediction of Water Quality by Using Artificial Intelligence," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-18, April.
    9. Khaleel Muhammed & Aavudai Anandhi & Gang Chen & Kevin Poole, 2021. "Define–Investigate–Estimate–Map (DIEM) Framework for Modeling Habitat Threats," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(20), pages 1-30, October.
    10. Weikun Zhang & Peng Gao & Zhe Chen & Hailan Qiu, 2023. "Preventing Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution in China: The Effect of Environmental Regulation with Digitization," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-17, March.
    11. Almando Morain & Nivedita Ilangovan & Christopher Delhom & Aavudai Anandhi, 2024. "Artificial Intelligence for Water Consumption Assessment: State of the Art Review," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 38(9), pages 3113-3134, July.
    12. Uhlenbrook, Stefan & Yu, W. & Schmitter, Petra & Smith, Douglas Mark, 2022. "Optimising the water we eat - rethinking policy to enhance productive and sustainable use of water in agri-food systems across scales," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 6(1):59-65..
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Mihaela Toderas, 2025. "Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability: A Systematic Review and Critical Analysis of AI Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-20, September.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Fida Hussain & Shakeel Ahmed & Syed Muhammad Zaigham Abbas Naqvi & Muhammad Awais & Yanyan Zhang & Hao Zhang & Vijaya Raghavan & Yiheng Zang & Guoqing Zhao & Jiandong Hu, 2025. "Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution: Comprehensive Analysis of Sources and Assessment Methods," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-35, February.
    2. Shuangqing Sheng & Wei Song & Hua Lian & Lei Ning, 2022. "Review of Urban Land Management Based on Bibliometrics," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-25, November.
    3. Ayla Amamou & Safa Chabouh & Lilia Sidhom & Alaeddine Zouari & Abdelkader Mami, 2025. "Agri-Food Supply Chain Sustainability Indicators from a Multi-Capital Perspective: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-34, May.
    4. Ying Liang & Wei Song, 2022. "Ecological and Environmental Effects of Land Use and Cover Changes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau: A Bibliometric Review," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-23, November.
    5. Nikolai Dronin, 2023. "Reasons to rename the UNCCD: Review of transformation of the political concept through the influence of science," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(3), pages 2058-2078, March.
    6. Saskia Keesstra & Saskia Visser & Margot De Cleen, 2021. "Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality: A Robust Soil System Forms the Basis for Nature-Based Solutions," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-4, November.
    7. Saira Batool,Syed Amer Mahmood,Zainab Tahir,Amer Masood, Jahanzeb Qureshi,Bushra Zia Khan1, S M Hassan, 2024. "Assessment of Soil Erosion and Neotectonics Geomorphology of Bannu Basin using RS and GIS Techniques," International Journal of Innovations in Science & Technology, 50sea, vol. 6(6), pages 387-407, June.
    8. Emilio Abad-Segura & Mariana-Daniela González-Zamar & Juan C. Infante-Moro & Germán Ruipérez García, 2020. "Sustainable Management of Digital Transformation in Higher Education: Global Research Trends," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-24, March.
    9. Gaohui Wen & Liwen Yang & Xinyao Zhang & Yi Zhou & Hao Zhou & Xianhui Hu, 2025. "The Impact of Environmental Regulation on Farmland Non-Point Source Pollution: Evidence from the Dongting Lake Plain, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-21, January.
    10. Yijie Dong & Danyang Li, 2023. "Gender representation in textbooks: a bibliometric study," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 128(11), pages 5969-6001, November.
    11. Mariam Akhtar-Schuster & Lindsay C Stringer & Nichole Barger, 2024. "Fast-tracking action on the Sustainable Development Goals by enhancing national institutional arrangements," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(3), pages 1-21, March.
    12. Gianluca Egidi & Luca Salvati & Pavel Cudlin & Rosanna Salvia & Manuela Romagnoli, 2020. "A New ‘Lexicon’ of Land Degradation: Toward a Holistic Thinking for Complex Socioeconomic Issues," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-19, May.
    13. Muhammad Khalid Shahid & Aye Aye Khin & Lim Chee Seong & Muhammad Shahbaz & Fiaz Ahmad, 2024. "Mapping the Relationship of Research and Development Expenditures and Economic Growth through Bibliometric Analysis: A Theoretical Perspective," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(4), pages 17529-17555, December.
    14. Yiming Xiao & Han Wu & Guohua Wang & Hong Mei, 2021. "Mapping the Worldwide Trends on Energy Poverty Research: A Bibliometric Analysis (1999–2019)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-22, February.
    15. Xindi Wang & Zeshui Xu & Xinxin Wang & Marinko Skare, 2022. "A review of inflation from 1906 to 2022: a comprehensive analysis of inflation studies from a global perspective," Oeconomia Copernicana, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 13(3), pages 595-631, September.
    16. U Ubaidillah & Bhre Wangsa Lenggana & Seung-Bok Choi, 2022. "Bibliometric Review of Magnetorheological Materials," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-22, November.
    17. Jianwei Xu & Shuxin Liu, 2024. "Current status, evolutionary path, and development trends of low-carbon technology innovation: a bibliometric analysis," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(9), pages 24151-24182, September.
    18. Zvonimir Rezo & Sanja Steiner & Ružica Škurla Babić, 2025. "Comparative Review of ICAO and EUROCONTROL Flight Carbon Emission Approximators," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-23, July.
    19. Mingchun Cao & Ilan Alon, 2020. "Intellectual Structure of the Belt and Road Initiative Research: A Scientometric Analysis and Suggestions for a Future Research Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-40, August.
    20. Ohnishi, Kazuhiro, 2024. "Pollution, partial privatization and the effect of ambient charges: price competition," MPRA Paper 120531, University Library of Munich, Germany.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:5810-:d:1686383. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.