Using landsat multispectral scanner data to estimate suspended sediments in Moon Lake, Mississippi

Abstract

Suspended sediments are a major factor affecting water quality in many aquatic ecosystems. Research was undertaken to determine the application of digital spectral data collected by the multispectral scanner (MSS) on the Landsat satellite for estimating suspended sediments in aquatic ecosystems where mean annual concentrations of suspended sediments are greater than 50 mg L −1. Digital spectral data from 14 Landsat MSS scenes of Moon Lake in Coahoma County, Mississippi were analyzed and compared with ground measurements of total solids and suspended sediments in the lake surface water for the period between January 1983 and May 1985. Coefficients of determination ( R 2) greater than 0.81 were calculated between MSS Band 2 (0.6–0.7 μm) or Band 3 (0.7–0.8 μm) and suspended sediments or total solids. Coefficients of determination for multiple regression using three or four MSS bands were greater than 0.90. This study showed that digital spectral data from the Landsat satellites can be used to locate and monitor surface-suspended sediments in aquatic ecosystems. With such a digital computer technique, entire regions can be surveyed quickly to locate aquatic ecosystems with suspended sediment problems. Conservation efforts can then be concentrated on those aquatic ecosystems with the most serious suspended sediment problems and soil conservation strategies developed in their watersheds to control erosion and sediment yield and thus to improve water quality.