Review on the emerging contaminant modelling from different water system point of view

ABSTRACT

Mathematical models provide a powerful tool for estimating emerging contaminants (ECs) concentrations and enabling continuous observation of contamination levels in aquatic environments, serving as a practical tool for studying the transport, transformation, and fate of ECs within water systems. A systematic review integrating urban drainage systems and receiving water bodies is lacking. Furthermore, existing research on EC modelling is predominantly focused on rivers or watersheds, representing a relatively narrow scope of application. This paper reviews EC modelling studies across different water systems – including urban water systems (water supply networks, sewer networks, wastewater treatment plants) and surface water bodies (rivers, reservoirs, lakes, floodplains, wetlands, and tidal zones)—from the perspective of modelling methodologies, namely mechanistic models, data-driven models, and hybrid models. It provides insights on the aspect of model structural simplification, parameter uncertainty, dynamic variability representation, multi-pollutant interactions and current case study abundance. It also identifies emerging research hotpots in EC simulation and provides information on relevant EC databases. This study aims to identify gaps in current research and provide guidance for users in selecting appropriate study areas and models for practical water quality assessment and management.