NASA satellite captures the massive wastewater flow off the coast of California

In 2022, NASA’s jeta laboratory launched a satellite sensor to draw a metal map in arid lands. But this is not all that is useful – in a new study, scientists used the spectral tool to study huge amounts of wastewater flowing into the sea off the coast of southern California.

Each year, millions of unacceptable drainage and treatment are dumped in the Tijuana River, and they carry pollution through societies on both sides of the borders between the United States and Mexico before reaching the ocean. In a study published in the magazine Overall ecologyUser researchers Search the source of the metal dust surface of the Earth (EMIT), which is a spectrum photography tool on the International Space Station, to study these wastewater columns in the Tijuana River Delta.

Sewage pollution is not beautiful. It can bring toxic chemicals, harmful algae flowers, and non -friendly bacteria, which can affect the health of the beach pioneers.

People usually rely on water quality information panels to tell them when it is not safe to swim, but often depends on field samples, which do not always cover the full range of pollution. The collection of these samples also takes time and money, especially in the areas contaminated.

This is the place Resurrection It comes. Use Specger photography analysisIt is a technique that embodies spatial and spectral information by measuring sunlight reflected on the surface of the Earth. Each image can capture hundreds of wavelengths for each pixel, which gives scientists detailed visions about molecular structure and material properties of what is on the ground.

This allowed researchers to measure the spectral signature of the wastewater diploma. The researchers compared the high -spectrum satellite pictures taken by Seit with unspeakable wastewater spectra, diluted wastewater, and sea water from which samples were taken near the column. They also compared EMIT photos with readings from the Earth. They found that high wastewater pollution is a distinctive red spectral feature that can allow researchers to monitor the extent of pollution in the future – although the source of that feature is still unclear.

The researchers hope that the data will complete the efforts made to experience water quality near the mouth of the river by informing water scientists about the location of samples.

“From orbit, you can look down and see that the wastewater column extends to places where samples have not been samples,” said Christine Lee, a JPL, in southern California. statement. “It is similar to the diagnosis in the doctor’s office that tells you,” hey, let’s take a closer look at this. “

Seit has also proven that it is useful for Discover emissions From methane and carbon dioxide from gas leakage, assessment of forest health, and Snow estimate Fusion rates.

Now, EMIT has another job. “The fact that EMIT on the coast is consistent with the measurements in this field is convincing to water scientists,” said Eva Skripner, a doctoral student at the University of Connecticut and the head of the study in a statement. “It’s really exciting.”