Hydrochemical characteristics of the Taganrog Bay in the early summer of 2018

The hydrochemical situation of the Taganrog Bay (Azov Sea) is assessed for the period of the early summer, 2018. Sampling was carried out at 12 stations, covering the entire water area of the bay. It was found out that the increased spring flow of the Don River was markedly represented in the spatial distribution of oxygen and biogenic elements. The greatest amount of biogenic elements was found in the eastern region of the bay, directly affected by river flow. It was shown that in the western region, on the contrary, the destruction of the autochthonous organic matter prevailed. Water saturation with phosphates and silicic acid was noted, while the content of nitrates was detected down by their consumption by phytoplankton. The rate of photosynthetic processes was higher mainly in the eastern region and off the northern coast of the Taganrog Bay, which corresponded to the characteristic flow of the Don River waters.