Chlorophyll-a and nutrient distribution of Pahang coastal waters during southwest monsoon using satellite images

Abstract

The relationship of nutrients and phytoplankton chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) is a basis for understanding eutrophication in a coastal marine ecosystem.This study was conducted to determined Chl-a and nutrient distribution during the southwest monsoon in the coastal water of Pahang, Malaysia. Data of Chl-a from Level 1A data (1 km spatial resolution) were processed to monthly composites Level 3 of Aqua MODIS data from January 2006 to December 2011 to get climatological images. Distribution of Chl-a was described by the spatial map using satellite image of the ocean color properties.While nutrient distribution were explained using kriging technique and mapped using ArcGIS. Chl-a was higher near coastal area and lower towards off shore area due to the terrestrial influence especially from river discharge and aquaculture activity. High value of nitrate, ammonia and phosphate in Pahang coastal area during the southwest monsoon indicates influence of terrestrial discharge especially from river outflow and aquaculture. Distribution of Chl-a along the Pahang coastal area was influenced by nutrient. © 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.