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oa Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Content in Bottom Sediment Profiles and Their Storage within the Dniester Delta Region
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, 17th International Conference Monitoring of Geological Processes and Ecological Condition of the Environment, Nov 2023, Volume 2023, p.1 - 5
Abstract
In this pilot study, we measured carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) compound concentrations in sediment profiles at five sites in the Dniester Delta, quantifying their storage.
Bile Lake (BL) showed significant nutrient sedimentation due to annual debris accumulation, while Karaholskyi Bay (KB) accumulated elements from wastewater discharge. Total nutrient content remained stable below 7 cm, indicating consistent sediment conditions. High N compound mineralization was observed across the entire study area, with the greatest ammonium formation at a 4 cm depth in BL, driven by plant deposits. Nitrite consumption prevailed in the upper 5 cm sediments, while nitrite formation dominated deeper, especially in BL, potentially leading to N gas losses. KB’s surface sediment layers were heavily contaminated with P and toxic metals, posing environmental and health risks from untreated wastewater and runoff. Surface sediments (top 10 cm) represent significant nutrient pools (4.4–18.5 Mg C ha−1, 0.2–1.7 Mg N ha−1, and 0.07–0.27 Mg P ha−1), acting as both nutrient sinks and sources.
Our pilot study emphasizes the importance of long-term sediment monitoring for understanding nutrient and toxic compound accumulation in the Dniester Delta, addressing secondary water pollution, and evaluating ecosystem health impacts and services. This supports region-specific mitigation measures.