Utilización de imágenes ASTER y Landsat para el monitoreo de la concentración de clorofila-a en el embalse Los Molinos, Córdoba, Argentina

Abstract

Remote sensing can be used as a complementary tool in water quality monitoring of aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study was to develop models to estimate the spatial distribution of chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a) in Los Molinos reservoir using Landsat 7 ETM + and ASTER imagery. Los Molinos reservoir (32 º 49 ‘S, 64 º 32’ W) is a multipurpose system used as the second source of water supply for Córdoba’s city. Physical, chemical and biological parameters were measured in the water body coinciding with the passage of the satellites by the study area. Using different statistical techniques, satellite information was related to field data obtaining algorithms that best explained the distribution of Chl-a. These models were validated and used to construct maps providing spatially rich information on patterns of water quality throughout the reservoir. Both sensors could be used for Chl-a monitoring. ASTER sensor, with higher spatial resolution that ETM+, showed a better relationship between observed versus estimated Chl-a data allowing a better discrimination of the spatial variation of the analysed parameter. The generated models can provide a basis for planning future water quality monitoring in different water bodies.