Use of the Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 Satellites for Water Quality Monitoring: An Early Warning Tool in the Mar Menor Coastal Lagoon

During recent years, several eutrophication processes and subsequent environmental crises have occurred in Mar Menor, the largest hypersaline coastal lagoon Western Mediterranean Sea. In this study, Landsat-8 Sentinel-2 satellites are jointly used to examine evolution of main water quality descriptors during latest ecological crisis 2021, resulting an important loss benthic vegetation unusual mortality events affecting different aquatic species. Several field campaigns were carried out March, July, August, November 2021 measure variables over 10 control points. The validation satellite biogeochemical against on-site measurements indicates precise results algorithms with median errors 0.41 mg/m3 2.04 FNU for chlorophyll-a turbidity, respectively. preprocessing scheme shows consistent performance both satellites; therefore, using them tandem can improve mapping strategies. findings demonstrate suitability methodology capture spatiotemporal distribution turbidity concentration at 10–30 m spatial resolution on a systematic basis cost-effective way. multitemporal products allow identification critical areas close mouth Albujon watercourse beginning process above 3 mg/m3. These innovative tools support decision makers improving current monitoring strategies as early warning systems timely assistance these disasters, thus preventing detrimental conditions lagoon.