ReSEC Research Group Publishes New Study on Satellite Mapping of Algal Blooms in Western Lake Ontario

A new paper published in Science of The Total Environment, titled “Mapping satellite-derived chlorophyll-a concentrations from 2013 to 2023 in Western Lake Ontario using Landsat 8 and 9 imagery,” offers a detailed examination of algal bloom dynamics over an 11‑year period. In collaboration with Ecohydrology Research Group (ERG), University of Waterloo, and Canada Centre for Inland Waters, ECCC, the study harnesses the power of satellite remote sensing to provide unprecedented insights into the spatial and temporal variability of chlorophyll‑a concentrations in the western basin of Lake Ontario.

Led by Ali Reza Shahvaran (a former ERG/ReSEC MSc graduate and now a Geomatics Technician in ERG), Dr. Homa Kheyrollah Pour, Dr. Caren Binding (from ECCC) and Dr. Philippe Van Cappellen (from ERG), the research team developed a site‑specific retrieval model that was validated against in‑situ measurements. The study examines over a decade of data to track seasonal trends and pinpoint algal bloom hotspots, while effectively distinguishing between nearshore and offshore water quality conditions—thereby illuminating the evolving patterns of lake eutrophication.

The study underscores the significant potential of publicly available satellite imagery as a cost‑effective tool for long‑term water quality monitoring and eutrophication management in the Laurentian Great Lakes region. These findings serve as a valuable resource for future research and offer practical guidance for managing freshwater ecosystems in an era of rapid environmental change.

Read the full article here.