Quantification of phytoplanktonic algae density in algiers bay (Algeria) by combining in situ measurements and landsat satellite images

Abstract

Satellite remote sensing is considered a promising technique for studying some phytoplanktonic algae because of such advantages as large-scale, real-time and long-term monitoring. The application of statistical models in the field of remote sensing is a crucial tool. The main objective of this study was to quantify the spatial distribution, and develop an empirical model, to detect phytoplankton algal density (diatoms and dinoflagellate). We used ratios of transformed reflectance values (REF) from Landsat Operational Land Imager (OLI) data to establish statistical relationships to dinoflagellate and diatoms densities cells, in the coastal area of Algiers Bay in Algeria. Another additional advantage of our study is that in situ measurements, it coincides with the passage of the satellite at the same time. The result shows that the proliferation prediction model could predict diatoms algae with an accuracy of 77%. The results of this research provided the possibility for the development of an appropriate methodology for remote monitoring of this phytoplankton types in coastal water.