Remote monitoring of total dissolved phosphorus in eutrophic Lake Taihu based on a novel algorithm: Implications for contributing factors and lake management

Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of total dissolved phosphorus concentration (C-TDP) and its regulatory factors is essential to improving our understanding of its impact on inland water eutrophication, but few studies have assessed this in eutrophic inland lakes due to a lack of suitable bio-optical algorithms allowing the use of remote sensing data. We developed a novel semi-analytical algorithm for this purpose and tested it in the eutrophic Lake Taihu, China. Our algorithm produced robust results with a mean absolute square percentage error of 29.65% and root mean square error of 9.54 mu g/L. Meanwhile, the new algorithm demonstrates good portability to other waters with different optical properties and could be applied to various image data, including Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS), and Ocean and Land Color Instrument (OLCI). Further analysis based on Geostationary Ocean Color Imager observations from 2011 to 2020 revealed a significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity of C-TDP in Lake Taihu. Correlation analysis of the long-term trend between C-TDP and driving factors demonstrated that air temperature is the dominant regulating factor in variations of C-TDP. This study provides a novel algorithm allowing remote-sensing monitoring of C-TDP in eutrophic lakes and can lead to new insights into the role of dissolved phosphorus in water eutrophication.

Automated summary

Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of total dissolved phosphorus concentration (C-TDP) and its regulatory factors is crucial for improving our understanding of its impact on inland water eutrophication. In this study, a novel bio-optical algorithm was developed and tested in Lake Taihu, China, yielding robust and portable results. Furthermore, analysis based on Geostationary Ocean Color Imager observations revealed significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity of C-TDP in Lake Taihu, with air temperature identified as the dominant regulating factor in its variations.