Monitoring the spatial distribution of water quality of an urban stormwater pond using satellite images

Abstract

Stormwater ponds play a critical role in managing urban runoff and mitigating the impact of pollutants on receiving water bodies. This study investigates the potential of remote sensing (RS) techniques in retrieving water level and key water quality parameters in urban stormwater wet ponds. Specifically, the focus is on water level, chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, and Secchi depth (SD). The results indicate that RS techniques can provide reliable estimates of water level, Chl-a, turbidity, SD, and TSS in urban stormwater wet ponds. Results revealed that Chl-a concentrations are higher near the inlets and within the forebay, with a significant decrease downstream of the forebay. TSS and total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations follow a similar pattern to Chl-a, being higher near the inlet and within the forebay, but significantly lower downstream. Notably, the highest concentrations of TSS, TDS, and Chl-a are observed in July, likely due to heavy rainfall events during that period. Through principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis, the study effectively captured the interrelationships among the water quality parameters in the stormwater pond. The spatial distribution of TSS and Chl-a shows a correlation. Furthermore, the study uncovers a relationship between water temperature and Chl-a concentration, with Chl-a decreasing as the temperature exceeds 20 °C and increasing when it drops below 20 °C. This relationship is influenced by sunlight availability, which affects Chl-a growth, as evidenced by variations in Chl-a concentration between the water column's bottom layers and surface. Overall, this research highlights the potential of utilizing RS techniques to retrieve water quality parameters, providing valuable information for water managers and decision-makers. The ability to generate maps of these parameters using reflected light measurements above stormwater wet ponds also contributes to effective water quality management strategies.