Summary

This study aims to assess the arsenic high content levels impact in rice fields though vegetation indexes derivated from satellite reflectance data. To gauge the relationship between rice plant and arsenic content, we decided to explore two scale levels: local and regional. The local scale is composed of rice field trials that were established in two regions, Faridpur and Homna. We extracted the reflectance information for an eight-month period, and we then compared each reflectance profile. The regional scale was aimed to explore the vegetation status in two different regions, one with a high value of arsenic content, which is located in the southern regions of Bangladesh; the second region was established in the northern area, which is characterized by low values in arsenic. Spectral differences were found in both regions. However, it is necessary to further research to link the rice canopy spectral response with the arsenic content level.

Investigators

Dr Manoj Menon, University of Sheffield (PI)

Dr Joesph Fennell, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Manchester (CoI)

Prof. Sarah Bridle, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Manchester/Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC-Food network+ Coordinator) (CoI)

Dr Rene Breton, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Manchester (CoI)

Prof Bhabani Das, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India (ODA partner) (CoI)

Prof M Hossain Sumon, Bangladesh Agricultural University (ODA partner) (CoI)

Prof M Rafiqual Islam, Bangladesh Agricultural University (ODA partner) (CoI)

Research Assistants

Mr Andres Aguilar Ariza

Ms Amelia Smith