The detection of phytoplankton density along coastal areas using satellite imagery (emphasis on modis data)

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the phytoplankton density in Merang and Kuala Terengganu coastal areas using satellite imagery (MODIS data). From the ground sampling analysis, phytoplankton density was ranged between 7,865.7 no. /L to 58,015 no. /L. In this study, phytoplankton density was higher in Kuala Terengganu coastal area (279,774.81 no.IL) compared to Merang coastal area (I 18,744.21 no.IL). Then, Terra satellite (MODIS) was used to detect the phytoplankton density to compare with the insitu data to define that MODIS data could use or not to detect phytoplankton density in this study area. The correlation between in-situ data of phytoplankton and water-leaving radiance derived using band 8 (405-420 nm) gives the best result with R2= 0.4994. Then, this correlation was used to develop a map of phytoplankton density in study area. Futhermore, from this map, regression analysis by using in-situ data of phytoplankton and water-leaving-radiance was carried out the model phytoplankton density data from satellite imagery. Correlation between satellite data and in-situ data of phytoplankton density shown that R2 = 0.9796 which has a highest value. Highest value of R2 means that phytoplankton density was highest in that area. Result showed that MODIS is suitable for use to detect the phytoplankton density in this study area