Issue 3, 2021

Monitoring cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms by unmanned aerial vehicles in aquatic ecosystems

Abstract

The spatial distribution of harmful algal blooms may change rapidly due to variations in wind, water current, and population dynamics. Traditional sampling methods may not be enough for an effective local risk assessment. Unmanned aerial vehicles can gather data at appropriate spatial and temporal resolutions, with full control over data collection timing and rapid result availability. We show that data can be correlated with chlorophyll (r2 = 0.79) and cyanobacteria (r2 = 0.77) concentration at the water surface, leading to spatial distribution maps capable of spotting cyanobacteria patches in water bodies precisely. In addition, climatic change may benefit various species of harmful cyanobacteria by increasing their geographic distributions and modifying population dynamics. Thus, new methods with a high spatial and temporal resolution for monitoring blooms come handy under changing climate scenarios. The method presented here provides valuable information that is complementary to risk assessment data derived from other monitoring methods available.

Graphical abstract: Monitoring cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms by unmanned aerial vehicles in aquatic ecosystems

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
09 Sep 2020
Accepted
11 Jan 2021
First published
12 Jan 2021

Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 573-583

Monitoring cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms by unmanned aerial vehicles in aquatic ecosystems

A. Silvarrey Barruffa, Á. Pardo, R. Faggian and V. Sposito, Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021, 7, 573 DOI: 10.1039/D0EW00830C

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