Preliminary study: Spectral reflectance properties of microalgae in freshwater

Spectral reflectance of microalgae plays an important role to analysis and interpretation of their properties in freshwater. The aim of this study is to measure and investigate spectral reflectance of microalgae using an Analytical Spectral Device (ASD) - more specifically FieldSpec HandHeld 2™ Spectroradiometer - that records reflected radiation from visible to near infrared wavelength at Tasik Aman, USM Penang. The reflectance response of microalgae was analysed with the aid of ViewSpec Pro software. The peak position could be used to explain and understand the spectral reflectance of microalgae that occured in the visible and near infrared regions. In the visible spectrum, microalgae recorded the highest reflectance value in the range from 550 to 560 nm (green region) and around 700nm (red region). In the near infrared region, the highest reflectance value recorded was near 750-800nm. The wide spectral range was found from 550 to 560 nm and near 700 nm with maximum sensitivity of chlorophyll content.