Redox Conditions and Characteristics of Bottom Sediments in the Bays of the Sevastopol Region

Yu. S. Kurinnaya*, K. I. Gurov, I. A. Zabegaev, N. A. Orekhova

Marine Hydrophysical Institute of RAS, Sevastopol, Russia

* e-mail: kurinnaya-jul@yandex.ru

Abstract

The paper aims at assessing redox conditions in the bottom sediments of Kamyshovaya Bay in comparison with those in other bays of the Sevastopol region, and at studying the geochemical characteristics of bottom sediments and the chemical composition of pore waters. The data obtained during expedition research onboard the R/V Victoria in J uly 2021 were analyzed. Using the polarographic method of analysis with the use of a glass Au-Hg microelectrode experimental data were obtained on the vertical distribution of oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, oxidized and reduced forms of iron in the pore waters of Kamyshovaya Bay in summer. Geochemical characteristics of bottom sediments were determined, such as particle size distribution and organic carbon content. The peculiarities of their spatial and vertical distribution were considered. The particle size distribution of sediments in the bay varies. In the upper part of the bay, sediments are represented by shell gravel and sand, and in the central and southern parts, aleurite and pelite silts prevail. The content of organic carbon in the surface layer of Kamyshovaya Bay bottom sediments ranges from 0.3 to 2.2 % dry weight, with an average value of 1.2 % dry weight, which is lower than in other bays of the Sevastopol region. It was found that the main characteristics of pore waters were determined by processes involving dissolved forms of iron (Fe (II, III)) and hydrogen sulfide. In the upper layer of sediments, suboxic conditions were noted, which indicates the development of oxygen deficiency and formation of ecological risk zones for the bay ecosystem.

Keywords

bottom sediments, pore waters, oxygen, polarographic analysis, particle size distribution, organic carbon, Black Sea, Kamyshovaya Bay.

Acknowledgments

The work was carried out under state assignment on topic no. 0555-2021-0005 “Complex interdisciplinary research of oceanologic processes, which determine functioning and evolution of the Black and Azov Sea coastal ecosystems” of FSBSI FRC MHI of RAS and supported by RFBR grant no. 20-35-90103.

For citation

Kurinnaya, Yu.S., Gurov, K.I., Zabegaev, I.A. and Orekhova, N.A., 2022. Redox Conditions and Characteristics of Bottom Sediments in the Bays of the Sevastopol Region. Ecological Safety of Coastal and Shelf Zones of Sea, (1), pp. 42–54. doi:10.22449/2413-5577-2022-1-42-54

DOI

10.22449/2413-5577-2022-1-42-54

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