Ecological State of Bottom Sediments in the Eastern Gulf of Finland

Abstract

The work is carried out as part of the annual monitoring studies of the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland in 2020. Monitoring the state of water transport in this region. The objects of this study were bottom sediments in the northeastern part of the Gulf of Finland; they contain the content of petroleum hydrocarbons, phosphorus and ammonium. The results were compared with the results of experimental studies carried out in the same area in previous years, as well as with the results of studies of water samples. The features of the chemical composition and structure of sediments, which affect their ability to accumulate petroleum hydrocarbons and nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, are taken into account. Based on the results of a comparative analysis of the aggregate information, an assessment of the state of bottom sediments in the north-eastern part of the Gulf of Finland is given. Based on the studies carried out, we concluded that the quantitative values of the investigated parameters are within the permissible limits. At the same time, there is a need to control the state of bottom sediments in the potential impact of port services in the future.