Water quality assessment using remote sensing techniques: Medrano Creek, Argentina

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Remote Sensing
• Water Quality Management

Background:

• Medrano Creek, flowing into the Río de la Plata, is a freshwater source for Buenos Aires' 13 million inhabitants.
• Water quality has declined over 50%, likely due to untreated textile industry effluents.
• Previous studies indicate significant water quality degradation impacting human consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the potential of satellite imagery for monitoring water contamination.
• To develop and validate a model for predicting surface water quality index (WQI).
• To trace organic contamination, specifically textile dyes, in freshwater systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilized LANDSAT 7 ETM+ satellite images (Blue and Green spectral bands).
• Developed a predictive model for WQI using linear regression analysis.
• Validated the model with 12 physicochemical parameters over 3 years.

Main Results:

• Satellite images successfully traced organic contamination (dyes) in Medrano Creek.
• The developed WQI model demonstrated predictive capabilities for surface water quality.
• Confirmed the utility of remote sensing for water resource management.

Conclusions:

• Satellite imagery is a valuable tool for identifying and monitoring water pollution sources.
• Remote sensing aids in decision-making for effective water resource management.
• The study highlights the impact of industrial effluents on urban freshwater systems.