Prediction of Photochemically Produced Reactive Intermediates in Surface Waters via Satellite Remote Sensing

Absorption of solar radiation by colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in surface waters results in the formation of photochemically produced reactive intermediates (PPRIs) that react with pollutants in water. Knowing the steady-state concentrations of PPRIs ([PPRI]ss) is critical to predicting the persistence of pollutants in sunlit surface waters. CDOM levels (a440) can be measured remotely for lakes over large areas using satellite imagery. Laboratory measurements of [PPRI]ss and apparent quantum yields (φ) of three PPRIs (3DOM*, 1O2, and •OH) were made for 24 lake samples under simulated sunlight. The total rate of light absorption by the water samples (Ra), the rates of formation (Rf), and [PPRI]ss of 3DOM∗ and 1O2 linearly increased with increasing a440. The production rate of •OH was linearly correlated with a440, but the steady-state concentration was best fit by a logarithmic function. The relationship between measured a440 and Landsat 8 reflectance was used to map a440 for more than 10 000 lakes across Minnesota. Relationships of a440 with Rf, [PPRIs]ss, and Ra were coupled with satellite-based a440 assessments to map reactive species production rates and concentrations as well as contaminant transformation rates. This study demonstrates the potential for using satellite imagery for estimating contaminant loss via indirect photolysis in lakes.