TITLE:
Contribution of Remote Sensing to the Assessment of Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM): Case Study of the Adjin Lagoon
AUTHORS:
Kouadio Maffoue Jeanne, Kouassi Adonija, Beugre Kossou Yves Bertrand
KEYWORDS:
Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM), Case-2 Regional Coast Colour (C2RCC), Remote Sensing, Adjin Lagoon, Côte d’Ivoire
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Marine Science,
Vol.16 No.4,
August
26,
2026
ABSTRACT: Lagoons and coastal ecosystems in tropical regions are increasingly subjected to strong anthropogenic pressures, making water quality monitoring particularly crucial. Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) is a key indicator of water quality due to its influence on optical properties and biogeochemical processes. This study aims to assess the contribution of remote sensing to the estimation of CDOM in the Adjin Lagoon, located in southeastern Côte d’Ivoire. Multispectral Sentinel-2 images covering the period 2018-2024, processed using the Case 2 Regional CoastColour (C2RCC) algorithm adapted for optically complex waters, were combined with in situ measurements collected in June 2024 to analyze the spatio-temporal variability of CDOM and its relationship with chlorophyll-a. The results reveal marked seasonal variations in CDOM and chlorophyll concentrations. Chlorophyll peaks observed in January, May, and October are associated with phytoplankton blooms driven by favorable light and nutrient conditions, whereas CDOM concentrations are mainly controlled by terrestrial inputs, with maximum values recorded during the rainy season, particularly in August (0.86 m−1). The correlation between CDOM and chlorophyll is weak and positive (r = 0.27), indicating partially independent dynamics. Validation using in situ data shows excellent agreement with satellite-derived estimates, with a negligible difference of approximately 0.02 m−1, confirming the reliability of remote sensing for CDOM assessment in tropical lagoon environments. This study highlights the potential of remote sensing for monitoring lagoon water quality and provides useful insights for the sustainable management of coastal ecosystems in Côte d’Ivoire.