Spatiotemporal Analysis of Water Quality Conditions in High-Andean Lakes Based on Satellite Indicators Using Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8/9 Images

A spatiotemporal analysis of water quality in the ultra-oligotrophic Ozogoche lakes within Sangay National Park, using Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8/9 imagery, reveals consistent low nutrient levels over an eight-year period (2016–2024). The study leveraged automated water products from the C2RCC processor, with C2RCC demonstrating the highest accuracy for chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) measurements (RMSE = 0.68 mg/m³), outperforming other satellite-derived products. This approach effectively overcomes challenges posed by optical complexity and cloud cover, providing reliable data for monitoring high-Andean aquatic ecosystems. The findings underscore the potential of remote sensing to support sustainable water resource management in protected areas.

Cantos, V. F. F., Rodríguez, P. X. L., Izurieta, J. E. A., Santillán, C. A. J., Ruiz-Verdú, A., Verrelst, J., Goethals, P. L. M., & Delegido, J. (2025). Spatiotemporal Analysis of Water Quality Conditions in High-Andean Lakes Based on Satellite Indicators Using Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8/9 Images. Water, 17(21), 3145. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17213145