Absorption and scattering properties of water body in Taihu Lake, China: absorption

In order to acquire inherent optical properties to serve the lake water colour/quality remote sensing in Taihu Lake 67 samples were distributed almost all over the lake. Surface water samples were collected and returned to the laboratory for the subsequent processing and analysis. In the laboratory, the absorptions due to the total particulate matter, non‐algal particulate matter, phytoplankton pigment, and CDOM, together with their concentrations were measured and/or calculated, respectively. Then their absorption properties were analysed and compared with those of other lake waters and/or coastal/open waters. Some different and similar characteristics were uncovered. On the one hand, it provides not only a solid basement for the Taihu Lake water colour/quality remote sensing with semi‐analytical/analytical approach but also a typical case for inherent optical properties of case two water especially for inland freshwater lakes. On the other, it is very helpful to improve the practical and intensive application and development of remote sensing in monitoring lake water quality.