In the heart of Hungary, a small lake named Vadkert is becoming a beacon of innovation in water quality monitoring. Researchers, led by Diaa Sheishah from the Department of Physical and Environmental Geography at the University of Szeged, have harnessed the power of satellite imagery to track seasonal changes in water quality parameters, offering a cost-effective and efficient method that could revolutionize environmental management and energy sector operations.
The study, published in *Frontiers in Environmental Science* (translated to English as “Frontiers in Environmental Science”), focuses on key water quality parameters (WQPs) such as arsenic (As), ammonium (NH4+), chemical oxygen demand (COD), water hardness, and total suspended solids (TSS). By analyzing Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and in situ measurements from 2019 to 2021, Sheishah and his team developed regression models to estimate these parameters. The models, which exhibited strong correlations with band reflectance, were then applied to Sentinel-2 images from 2024 to map the spatial and temporal distribution of the WQPs.
“Remote sensing has become increasingly valuable for monitoring inland water quality across space and time,” Sheishah explained. “However, detecting key water quality parameters in small water bodies remains challenging. Our study aims to bridge this gap by developing robust models that can be applied to small lakes like Vadkert.”
The results revealed that arsenic levels peaked in summer, with spatially uniform distribution, while ammonium and COD also peaked in summer, with elevated values at the southern and eastern lake margins. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of satellite-based seasonal water quality assessment in small lakes, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for environmental management.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. Accurate and timely water quality data is crucial for energy companies that rely on water bodies for cooling, irrigation, and other processes. By leveraging remote sensing technology, energy companies can monitor water quality dynamics in real-time, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and optimizing water usage.
“This research opens up new possibilities for the energy sector,” said Sheishah. “By providing accurate and timely water quality data, we can help energy companies make informed decisions that balance environmental sustainability with operational efficiency.”
The study’s findings also highlight the potential for remote sensing technology to support environmental management in other small water bodies. As climate change and human activities continue to impact water quality, the need for effective monitoring tools becomes increasingly urgent. By developing and applying robust models for estimating WQPs, researchers can contribute to the development of sustainable water management strategies that protect both human health and the environment.
In conclusion, the research led by Diaa Sheishah represents a significant step forward in the field of water quality monitoring. By harnessing the power of remote sensing technology, researchers can provide valuable insights into the seasonal dynamics of water quality parameters, supporting cost-effective environmental management and informing decision-making in the energy sector. As the technology continues to evolve, the potential applications of remote sensing in water quality monitoring are likely to expand, offering new opportunities for innovation and sustainability in the years to come.