Abstract: The sources identification and pollution process control of contaminants in aquatic environment is still a challenge in watershed pollution management. Isotope technology for tracing pollutants sources and the pollution processes is one of the effective methods to solve this problem. The application situations of isotope technology in water pollution sources research at home and abroad in recent years were summarized. The basic principles and characteristics of isotope technology were introduced briefly. The research progresses in stable isotope technology for tracing different pollutants, as well as the corresponding migration and transformation processes in water environment were summarized. Compared with the traditional methods, e.g. hydrochemistry, it was proposed that isotope technology had its unique advantages, while limitations still existed. Combined with the traditional hydrochemistry and fluorescence spectroscopy, the efficiency and environmental friendliness of isotope technology could be greatly improved. The prospects for the application of isotope tracing technology in aquatic environment were carefully addressed.