Precision of phytoplankton pigment analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography: an assessment of the global ocean color validation dataset analyzed by NASA

Chaves, Joaquín E.; Thomas, Crystal S.; Mannino, Antonio

doi:10.5194/bg-23-7043-2026

Articles | Volume 23, issue 19

https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-7043-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-7043-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Articles | Volume 23, issue 19

Research article

|

08 Oct 2026

Research article |

| 08 Oct 2026

Precision of phytoplankton pigment analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography: an assessment of the global ocean color validation dataset analyzed by NASA

Joaquín E. Chaves, Crystal S. Thomas, and Antonio Mannino

Data sets

Data Joaquín E. Chaves, Crystal S. Thomas, and Antonio Mannino https://git.smce.nasa.gov/joaquin.chaves/hplc-precision-analysis

Model code and software

hplc-precision-analysis Joaquín E. Chaves, Crystal S. Thomas, and Antonio Mannino https://git.smce.nasa.gov/joaquin.chaves/hplc-precision-analysis

Interactive computing environment

HPLC Precision Analysis: NASA-GSFC Ocean Ecology Laboratory Analytical precision assessment of phytoplankton pigment measurements supporting ocean color satellite validation Joaquín E. Chaves, Crystal S. Thomas, and Antonio Mannino https://git.smce.nasa.gov/joaquin.chaves/hplc-precision-analysis/-/blob/main/hplc_ppig_precision.ipynb?ref_type=heads

Short summary

Satellites monitor ocean health by measuring plant pigments, but accuracy depends on reliable water samples. NASA analyzed nearly 20,000 ocean samples to assess measurement consistency. Most pigments met established quality standards. Variability was largest for rare pigments at low concentrations, reflecting natural ocean patchiness rather than instrument error. Rigorous quality controls support satellite validation, and improvements in field sample collection offer the most promising path.