Simulation of chlorophyll-a estimation by Worldview-2 in the urban rivers of the Dominican Republic using field spectral data

Abstract

The objective of this study is to simulate chlorophyll-a (Chl) estimation in the urban rivers of Dominican Republic (DR) by “Worldview-2” (WV-2) satellite which is able to provide high spatial/spectral resolutions. In addition to this, WV-2 has 8 observation bands and among them the Red Edge band (705-745 nm) is attracting attention since it can be used as a new estimation method for high Chl content with high SS (suspended sediment) concentration water bodies. The spectral reflectance and in situ Chl data set were collected from Haina and Ozama - Isabela rivers using a small boat on March 9-10 and June 8-9, 2011. The estimation algorithm of Chl using WV-2 data was developed from the data set. Results revealed that in Chl estimations, the reflectance ratio of WV-2 Band 5 (Red band: 630-690 nm) and Band 6 (Red Edge band: 704-745 nm) under eutrophic conditions were effective. Finally, WV-2 data could be considered as a good monitoring tool for the mouth of the rivers which flow into the Caribbean Sea.