Heterotrophic Nano- and Microplankton under Conditions of Anthropogenic Eutrophication of the Bay of Novorossiisk

Abstract

Seasonal and long-term dynamics of heterotrophic plankton in the Bay of Novorossiisk are discussed. It is shown that specific variation in the biomass of nanoheterotrophs and infusoria is associated with the processes of anthropogenic water eutrophication. The biomass of infusoria has increased ten times and that of zooflagellates two times since 1985–1986. Infusoria of the genera Strombidium, Strobilidium, and Mesodiniumare dominant in the protozoan plankton. The annual average level of Oligotrichadevelopment in the bay is characteristic of eutrophic water bodies (112–417 mg/m3); in the spring–summer season, however, it may increase to 500–1034 mg/m3. In the part of the bay near the port, which is exposed to a strong anthropogenic impact, the biomass of ciliate protozoa can reach 2 g/m3.