Integrated time-series analysis of remote sensing imagery and crowdsourced data to monitor water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in the Orontes (asi) River

Abstract

Invasive plants are a serious global issue due to the damage they cause to aquatic ecosystems. In recent years, the Orontes River has been struggling with water hyacinth, an invasive species that completely covers the river's surface. Within the scope of this study, the history of water hyacinth in the Orontes River was examined using remote sensing and crowdsourced data. Optical data with different spatial resolutions (Landsat-8 OLI and Sentinel-2 MSI) and Sentinel-1 SAR satellite data were used as remote sensing data. Google News, used as crowdsourced data, was compared with time series obtained from satellite data, emphasizing the complementary role of all three data types (optical, SAR and crowdsourced). Using PlanetScope Dove satellite data, the growth, development and extinction cycle of water hyacinth within a year were investigated according to water hyacinth density. In line with the results obtained, it is revealed that the water hyacinth began to appear after June, grew in the summer months, reached its peak in October-November, and disappeared after November with the increasing precipitation. This study is the first to examine water hyacinths in the Orontes River using remote sensing and crowdsourced data, and the results will guide decision-makers in the fight against water hyacinths.