Quantification of Non-Point Source Sedimentation Through Densitometric Analysis of Color Infrared Aerial Photography

摘要

A method for the detection, quantification, and location of non-point pollution sources was established based upon the use of aerial color infrared photography. An airborne small-format camera system was flown simultaneous to minimal selected ground sampling. This allowed measurement of ground levels of turbidity and suspended solids over relatively large watershed areas. The study was limited to non-point pollution sources monitoring in watersheds in potato-producing agricultural areas in Aroostook County, Maine. Initial calibration of monitored rivers was used to assess film response to given pollutant types, with quantification by densitometry. Relations were formulated to estimate suspended solids concentrations from film density values. Calibrations were both site- and source-specific. The calibration model could be used for suspended solid concentration predictions.