Optical characterization of two cyanobacteria genera, Aphanizomenon and Microcystis, with hyperspectral microscopy

Abstract. Cyanobacterial blooms are a nuisance and a potential hazard in freshwater systems worldwide. Remote sensing has been used to detect cyanobacterial blooms, but few studies have distinguished among genera of cyanobacteria. Because some genera are more likely to be toxic than others, this is a useful distinction. Hyperspectral imaging reflectance microscopy was used to examine cyanobacteria from Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, at high spatial and spectral resolution to determine if two species found commonly in the lake, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Microcystis aeruginosa, can be separated spectrally. Of the analytical methods applied, a spectral shape algorithm applied to the derivative was found to be most successful in classifying these species in microscope scenes. Further work is required to determine if the spectral characterization of cyanobacterial genera can be scaled up to remote sensing applications.