Agricultural Pollution in the Mississippi River 

How specific pollutents are Observed

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Algal blooms can most easily be observed with the use of multispectral scanners on satellites beacuse of their consistant seasonal appearence, their unique colors and their location. 

 

Different Algals have different pigment colors that produce specific spectral signatures. Hyperspectral sensors with spectral bands that are fine tuned to look for these specific pigments can detect and montior the algal blooms.  

 

Because Algals are such key species the entire ecosystem is often effected. The toxicity moves through the food chain and can eventually effect all matters of life in cluding humans. 

 

Through the use of MODIS imagery scientists have confirmed that the number of blooms world wide have been increasing. This is linked to to heavy use of nitrogen and phosphorus.