Estimations for Water Quality Factors of Kumho River, South Korea, using Remote Sensing Technology

In this study, water quality factors (water temperature, turbidity, T-P, T-N, Chl-a) in the downstream of the Kumho River were simulated through multiple regression analysis using remote sensing data of the Landsat 8 satellite. The approach for simulating water quality factors in Kumho River using Landsat 8 satellite data showed reliable results since the R values of turbidity, T-N, T-P, and Chl-a were 0.797, 0.877, 0.804, and 0.889, respectively, within the significance level (p) 0.01 for the calibration processes and those were 0.933, 0.663, 0.845 and 0.931 within the significance level (p) of 0.01, respectively, for the validation processes. The water temperature calculation using Band 10 of the TIRS sensor of the Landsat 8 satellite also showed stable results with an R value of 0.884 and an RMSE of 1.306 celcius. Overall, the approach for estimating water quality factors using satellite data was reliable, so water quality prediction using satellite data is considered to be a very useful method for water quality management of the Kumho River. As a result, the monitoring system using satellite data is expected to support for managing the water quality of the Kumho River.

Automated summary

Water quality factors in the downstream of the Kumho River were successfully simulated using remote sensing data from the Landsat 8 satellite through multiple regression analysis. The approach showed reliable results, making it a useful method for water quality management of the Kumho River.