Spectral Analyses of Lake Eutrophication through a Multiinstitutional Partnership

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Spectral Analyses of Lake Eutrophication through
a Multi-institutional Partnership

• Luke Marzen1, John Glasier2, Bill Deutsch3, Wendy
  Seesock3, Eric Reutebuch3,
• Dick Bronson2, and Chandler White1
• 1Department of Geology and Geography, Auburn
  University, AL 36849
• 2Lake Watch of Lake Martin, Alexander City, AL
  35011
• 3Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures,
  Auburn University, AL 3684

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acknowledgements

• Alabama Power
• Lake Watch of Lake Martin
• Tallapoosa Watershed Project
• Alabama Water Watch
• AU Water Resources Center
• USGS AlabamaView
• University of Alabama
• Dr. Luoheng Han

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• Eutrophication
• is a natural process that occurs in an aging lake
  or pond as that body of water gradually builds up
  its concentration of plant nutrients.
• Cultural or artificial eutrophication
• occurs when human activity introduces increased
  amounts of these nutrients, which speed up plant
  growth and eventually choke the lake of all of
  its animal life.

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Nutrient Loading (Sandy Creek)
Spring 05
Fall 05
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Example of Nutrient Enrichment (Eutrophication)
Effects in Lake Martin
Sandy Ck. Embayment Oct 05
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A Multi-institutional Partnership
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Benefits of Partnership

• Lower cost water quality sampling
• Strong stakeholder buy-in
• Leveraging data collection for multiple research
  projects

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Sampling and lab work

• Up to 1 month
• 100 per sample

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Remote Sensing (RS)

• The measurement and analysis of electromagnetic
  radiation reflected from, transmitted through, or
  absorbed and scattered by the atmosphere, the
  hydrosphere and by material at or near the land
  surface, for the purpose of understanding and
  managing the Earths resources and environment.

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• hyperion_argentina.mpg

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Close-range Remote Sensing (RS)
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objectives

• Evaluate methods using a low-cost
  spectrophotometer to provide an estimate of
  chlorophyll a as an indicator of lake
  eutrophication
• Work with stakeholders in the use of this
  technology to have citizens monitor water quality
• Use established relationships and
  aerial/satellite imagery to model surface water
  quality

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problems

• Controlling radiometric conditions outside

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problems

• RS conditions at surface may vary from below the
  surface

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solutions

• Filter water sampled below the surface

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solutions

• Take hyperspectral readings in controlled
  lighting environment

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methods

• Sample once per month from April-October 09
• 16 stations
• Compare in situ measurements to controlled RS
  observations

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study area

• 16 sites
• 9 for spectral analyses
• 3 field days corresponding with Landsat fly-over

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variables measured

• Total phosphorus
• Total nitrogen
• Total suspended solids
• Secchi depth
• Chlorophyll a

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Results
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Results
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Outreach and Extension

• Use relationships established by point sampling
  to model surfaces with aerial and satellite
  imagery
• Active research area to see if the surface
  reflectance relates to the photic zone
• Working with private industry to develop
  technology to lower costs of aerial imagery
  acquisition
• TWP promoting BMPs

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Camera Installation C172 aircraft
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GeoPod Canon XSi Airborne Imagery 1200 ft altitude
Zoom to here
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2-inch resolution from 1200 ft
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Cary Woods Elementary School Project
After
Before
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Cary Woods Elementary School Project
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Tributary Stream Restoration
After
Before
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Forest Land BMP Workshop
April 9th, 2009 at the Mary Olive Thomas
Demonstration Forest, see SWaMP blog for more
info
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Thank you for attending this session!

• Questions?
• Luke Marzen
• marzelj_at_auburn.edu
• Auburn University Geology and Geography