ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Analysis of Content and Distribution
of Chlorophyll-a on the Sea Surface through Data
from Aqua/MODIS Satellite
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1
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 44150, Thailand
2
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 44150, Thailand
Submission date: 2022-02-15
Final revision date: 2022-06-01
Acceptance date: 2022-06-06
Online publication date: 2022-08-08
Publication date: 2022-09-28
Corresponding author
Teerawong Laosuwan
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub-District, 44150, Kantarawichai District, Thailand
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2022;31(5):4711-4719
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ABSTRACT
Phytoplankton are tiny creatures floating on water mass. Inside their cells, there is the pigment
chlorophyll-a, a kind of substance used in photosynthesis. As a result, it is essential for the ecosystem
of water sources because it is considered as the primary producer. This research aims to analyze
the content and distribution of chlorophyll-a on the sea surface. It uses data from the Aqua/MODIS
Satellite in a case study of the upper Gulf of Thailand in 2020. The SeaWiFS Data Analysis System
(SeaDAS) program analyzed the obtained data. The results revealed that the content and distribution of
chlorophyll-a on the sea surface in the area of the upper Gulf of Thailand were based on seasons and
the influence of monsoons. It was found that the content of chlorophyll-a was highest in the southwest
monsoon period (May-October) and lowest in the northeast monsoon period (November-April). The
content of chlorophyll-a was highest in October with a mean of 3.148 mg/m3, followed by November,
and it was lowest in February with a mean of 1.514 mg/m3. Moreover, it was also found that, if the sea
surface temperature was higher than 30°C, phytoplankton exhibited proper growth and propagation.
As a result, the content and distribution of chlorophyll-a were consistent with seasonal changes
and weather variability.