Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID KS-2024-Panthi

Early Detection of Harmful Algal Blooms in Kansas Lakes and Reservoirs Using Satellite Remote Sensing

Institute: Kansas
Year Established: 2024 Start Date: 2024-09-01 End Date: 2025-08-31
Total Federal Funds: $24,946 Total Non-Federal Funds: $25,371

Principal Investigators: Jeeban Panthi

Project Summary: Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are becoming more common worldwide, threatening water ecosystems, public health, and the economy. Kansas lakes and reservoirs are especially affected due to high nutrient levels from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharges, urban growth, and worsened by hot summers and heavy rains. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment monitors these water bodies, but resource limitations hinder comprehensive tracking. Existing remote sensing methods for detecting algae do not work well in Kansas' murky waters. This project aims to develop a model using satellite data and mathematical models to estimate chlorophyll levels, a sign of HABs. This will help detect harmful blooms early, improving understanding and management of these events by state agencies.