Assessing vertical and horizontal movements of algal blooms in a coastal water using satellite remote sensing for optimal operation of desalination plants

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are global concerns in coastal waters due to diffuse pollution and climate change. Emerging issues of HABs include their impact on desalination operations for water supply. This study utilizes composite satellite images to detect movement and propagation of algal blooms. Time series images from the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) were used for monitoring chlorophyll-a in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf, which neighboring countries depend upon for desalination as their freshwater resource. Bi-daily MODIS data from the Terra and Aqua satellites were used to detect both vertical migration and horizontal movement of algal blooms. The results will be useful for creating an early warning system for desalination plants to anticipate operating strategies and intake locations to minimize impacts.