Scientific publications

This study assessed bottom sediments of Blagopoluchiya Bay (Bolshoy Solovetsky Island, Arkhangelsk Region). Top-core sediment samples were collected at 25 stations in the bay. Physical characteristics (density, specific gravity, porosity, natural and absolute moisture content), physico-chemical parameters (pH, Eh), chemical properties (loss on ignition, total organic and inorganic carbon, ash content, plant pigments, ammonium nitrogen, organic nitrogen, total and mineral phosphorus), and the grain-size distribution of the sediments were studied. Changes in the sedimentation regime and pollution of the bay bed under human impact were identified. Medium and coarse silt prevailed except for the southern part of the bay, where the proportion of fine sand increased gradually towards the southeast. The levels of organic matter and nutrient pollution of the sediments were assessed. The average content of organic matter in sediment samples was about 14 %. The concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and plant pigments were relatively low. The distribution patterns of organic matter components over the bottom of Blagopoluchiya Bay exhibited higher concentrations of organic carbon, ammonium nitrogen, organic nitrogen, total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a in south-eastern coastal areas of the bay, while inorganic phosphorus occurred mainly in northern regions, near sewage outfall. The heaviest pollution was found in sediments at small craft moorings. These results can be used when planning dredging actions and reconstruction of piers, as well as organizing monitoring of the state of Blagopoluchiya Bay.