The role of remote sensing in the evolution of water pollution detection and monitoring: A comprehensive review

Abstract

This comprehensive review explores the transformative role of remote sensing technologies in the detection and monitoring of water pollution. Remote sensing provides dynamic, large-scale, and cost-effective solutions for continuous assessment of water quality. The review covers the application of remote sensing for detecting a range of pollutants, including chemical contaminants, physical parameters, and biological pollutants. The review systematically analyzed 132 studies selected from the Web of Science database using the keywords “remote sensing” and “water pollution,” covering publications from the 1990s to December 2023. The analysis highlights the use of multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, machine learning algorithms, and statistical models for precise pollutant detection and quantification.

Key findings demonstrate the efficacy of remote sensing in providing timely and detailed information on water quality, which is essential for environmental monitoring and management. However, several challenges persist, including limitations in the spatial and temporal resolution of satellite sensors, the complexity of water body optical properties, and the need for advanced data processing algorithms. Future research should address these challenges by focusing on enhancing sensor technology, developing sophisticated algorithms for data analysis, and integrating remote sensing with in-situ measurements to achieve more comprehensive water quality monitoring. This review underscores the significant advancements in remote sensing technologies and their crucial role in sustainable water resource management and environmental protection. It emphasizes the need for ongoing innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration to further enhance our understanding and management of water pollution.