Assessment of Nutrient Distributions in Lake Champlain Using Satellite Remote Sensing
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Elizabeth M. Isenstein
DOI:
Received November 28, 2013,Revised May 17, 2014, Accepted May 20, 2014, Available online 2014-05-30
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The introduction of nutrients to lakes causing eutrophic conditions is a major problem around the world. Proper monitoring and modelling are important to effectively manage eutrophication in lake waters. This study aims to develop remote sensing models for nutrients, total phosphorus and total nitrogen, in Lake Champlain. The remote sensing models were created using multivariate linear regression with the unique band combinations of Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM ) imagery based on the empirical relationship with the field observations. The resulting models successfully showed nutrient distributions in the most eutrophic part of Lake Champlain, Missisquoi Bay, with reasonable adjusted coefficient of determination (R2) values (R2 = 0.61 and 0.77 for total phosphorus and total nitrogen, respectively). This study shows the feasibility and the utility of satellite imagery to detect spatial distributions of lake water quality constituents, which can be used to better understand nutrient distributions in Lake Champlain., This approach can be applicable to other lakes experiencing eutrophication assisting decision making when implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) and other mitigation techniques to lakes.
