Assessing the impact of metals loads and other contaminants in large freshwater bodies using hyperspectral remote sensing. A challenge for the future of lakes and rivers management

Abstract

The use of remote sensing to estimate water quality parameters, such as suspended sediments, metals and nutrients distribution, seems to be a useful technology to use as a preliminary study in large freshwater bodies. Empirical models based on the relationships between spectral measurements and water and sediments quality analytical data, will decrease the number of sampling sites in the basin, since remote sensing is a considered a potential method to estimate water quality variations. In order of having a synergy between hyperspectral data and geochemical, mineralogical and hydrological information, we would like to use the hyperspectral remote sensing technology in two different scenarios: (1) A contamination area by intense agriculture and (2) A contamination area by mine industry.