In the heart of Greece, a pioneering study is revolutionizing how we monitor and manage lake water quality, with implications that stretch far beyond the country’s borders, particularly for the energy sector. Led by Vassiliki Markogianni from the Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, this research leverages cutting-edge technology to assess and improve water quality monitoring, offering a blueprint for sustainable water resource management.
At the core of this study is the integration of Google Earth Engine (GEE) and satellite data from Landsat and Sentinel 2. These tools are not just enhancing the accuracy of water quality assessments but also streamlining the process, saving valuable time and resources. “The combination of GEE and new satellite launches has greatly facilitated the monitoring of national-scale lake water quality,” Markogianni explains. This technological synergy is crucial for the energy sector, where water quality is a critical factor in operations, from hydroelectric power generation to cooling systems in thermal plants.
The research focuses on the transferability and performance of water quality models across Greece’s Water Framework Directive (WFD) lake sampling network. By utilizing surface reflectance data from Landsat and Sentinel 2, subjected to different atmospheric correction methods, the study aims to provide a robust framework for water quality assessment. The results are promising, with strong associations (R² ranging from 0.68 to 0.98) between modelled and GEE-modelled values, indicating high accuracy and reliability.
One of the key findings is the superior performance of Landsat data over Sentinel 2 in this context. This insight is invaluable for energy companies that rely on accurate water quality data for their operations. “The values of the basic statistical error metrics indicated the increased assessment’s accuracy of GEE-modelled over modelled TSIs and then the superiority of Landsat over Sentinel 2 data,” Markogianni notes. This could influence future satellite missions and data processing techniques, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in environmental monitoring.
The study also calculates Carlson’s Trophic State Index (TSI) based on both in situ and modelled water quality values, providing a comprehensive view of lake health. This index is a vital tool for energy companies, helping them to predict and mitigate potential impacts on their operations. The methodology developed in this research is not just a scientific advancement but a practical tool for integrated sustainable water resources management.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As energy companies increasingly prioritize sustainability, accurate and efficient water quality monitoring becomes paramount. This study provides a roadmap for leveraging advanced technology to achieve this goal. The use of open-source cloud computing platforms and the integration of satellite data are set to become standard practices in the field.
The research, published in Remote Sensing (translated from Greek as “Απομακρυσμένη Ανίχνευση”), is a testament to the power of innovation in environmental science. It offers a glimpse into a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand, shaping a more resilient and efficient energy sector. As we look ahead, the lessons learned from this study will undoubtedly influence future developments in water quality monitoring and management, paving the way for a more sustainable future.