A. V. Kostyleva1, S. A. Mosharov2
1 South Branch of P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of RAS, Gelendzhik, Russia
1 P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology RAS, Moscow, Russia
Abstract
Apparent oxygen utilization (AOU) is a parameter that depends on in situ oxygen concentration, water temperature and salinity. It shows difference between the observed dissolved oxygen concentration and the concentration that corresponds to 100% oxygen saturation. In turn, it indicates whether the processes of organic matter destruction (oxidation) or production (photosynthesis) are prevailing in the studied site at the moment. This paper aims to demonstrate the prospect of use of this parameter as a production/destruction indicator by example of the north-eastern Black Sea. The calculation algorithm is provided and temporal and spatial variability of AOU is demonstrated, as well as synchronicity of spatio-temporal changes of AOU and chlorophyll a.
Simplicity, low price and high speed of the AOU values determination grant a possibility to gather samples frequently and regularly, acquiring the information on prevalence of production or destruction processes in the studied water area without a need for more expensive and laborious hydrobiological methods, which can give an advantage in monitoring of ecosystem processes.
Keywords
chlorophyll a, apparent oxygen utilization, production and destruction processes, the Black Sea