Analysis of six broadband optical filters for measuring chlorophyll alpha and suspended solids in the Patuxent River

Kodak Wratten broadband optical filters numbered 47B (400 to 500 nm), 57 (500 to 600 nm), 58 (500 to 600 nm), 12 (500 to 700 nm), 25 (600 to 700 nm), and 89B (690 to 900 nm) were tested on October 17, 1972, to see whether each spectral band by itself could be used to quantify chlorophyll a and suspended sediment in the Patuxent River. Band 690 to 900 nm showed promise in being able to detect gross changes in chlorophyll a above 28 micrograms/l. None of the broad spectral bands seem capable of measuring chlorophyll a concentrations less than 28 micrograms/l in turbid estuarine water. Except for the 47B spectral band, the bands do show promise for measuring suspended solids.