Seasonal assessment of water scarity and algal blooms in Lake Burullus using satellite imagery

Lake Burullus is Egypt's second-largest lagoon and plays a vital role in the region's ecological balance. This study leverages satellite imagery to assess the seasonal variations in water quality parameters, specifically focusing on turbidity and algal growth. Situated along the Mediterranean coast, it lies between the two branches of the Nile River. The study investigates the potential of satellite imagery in evaluating seasonal variations in water clarity and algal blooms within Lake Burullus, Egypt. Utilizing Sentinel-2 data spanning from January 2018 to January 2024, computations were conducted for the Normalized Difference Turbidity Index (NDTI) and Normalized Difference Chlorophyll Index (NDCI). The investigation revealed considerable seasonal variations in Lake Burullus's water quality. Winter displayed clear water with substantial algal growth and minimal sediment resuspension. Summer experienced ongoing algal proliferation and increased turbidity due to heightened temperatures and nutrient levels. Autumn demonstrated significant sediment resuspension and moderate to high turbidity. Spring exhibited diverse conditions with moderate to high turbidity and high chlorophyll-a concentrations, highlighting the complex factors affecting the lake's ecology. These findings suggest a potential correlation with eutrophication (nutrient enrichment) based on the observed seasonal trends in algae and turbidity.