Monitoring of environmental water quality of Maltese coastal waters using remote sensing techniques

The aim of this study was to assess water quality of the Maltese coastal environment, using remote sensing techniques, and to provide valid data for coastal resource management. LANDSAT-TM data were used, to map water quality parameters in areas under intense anthropogenic pressures. The water quality parameters mapped were chlorophyll a content, surface water temperature, and water transparency as measured by Secchi disk. Digital data of the study areas were acquired, and calibrated by sea-truth data collected from the field near-simultaneously with satellite overpass. Mathematical models were developed, validated, and then applied to the study areas in order no generate colour-coded images, each depicting the distribution of a selected water quality parameter in each area. LANDSAT-TM data proved useful and effective for the intended application, and for the start of a data bank on water quality in Maltese coastal waters, so as to provide information indispensable for protecting them from contamination hazards.