Estimation of Water Quality Parameters for Lake Kemp Texas Derived From Remotely

Remote sensing of water quality would provide resource managers’ with tools to monitor and maintain water bodies in a well-timed and cost-effective manner. The primary aim of this study was to estimate chlorophyll a, total phosphorus (TP), and turbidity using remote sensing data derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS). Based on in situ measurements from Lake Kemp collected in June and October of 2006, and MODIS reflectance data acquired for the same time period, spectral indicators for the above mentioned water quality parameters were calculated. Chlorophyll a and TP concentrations were quantified using the ratios of (MOD1MOD14)/(MOD14 + MOD2) and MOD12/MOD13, respectively, which showed a linear relationship with in-situ data. Turbidity was quantified using the ratio of (MOD2 – MOD4)/( MOD11 × MOD12). Chlorophyll a and turbidity had the strongest correlation (r = 0.81, r = 0.92 respectively) with in situ measurements, while TP had the lowest correlation (r = 0.56). Maps for chlorophyll a distribution as well as for TP and turbidity were generated from MODIS data.