Colored Dissolved Organic Matter and Total Suspended Matter as the Indicators of Water Pollution in the Kerch Strait

P. D. Lomakin✉, A. A. Chepyzhenko, A. I. Chepyzhenko

Marine Hydrophysical Institute of RAS, Sevastopol, Russian Federation

✉ e-mail: p_lomakin@mail.ru

Abstract

Purpose. Based on the data collected from expeditions conducted in 2001–2014, this study aims to identify patterns in the structure of concentration fields of colored dissolved organic matter and total suspended matter of anthropogenic origin in the Kerch Strait, to reveal polluted areas in the region under study, to identify the associated sources, and to assess the linear scale of their impact on the aquatic environment. Additionally, the study compares these findings with the existing data on water pollution in the strait, derived from the contact hydrochemical and satellite measurements.

Methods and Results. Polluted areas within the studied water region were identified by locating local maxima in the concentrations of colored dissolved organic matter and total suspended matter. These anthropogenic substances are shown to be localized in the form of individual lenses with elevated concentrations relative to background levels. The concentration profiles of these lenses exhibit a characteristic intrusive shape, with similar empirical concentration distributions for both substances. Thirteen lenses, with horizontal scales of 1–6 miles, were identified. Each lens is associated with a specific anthropogenic source, primarily shipping routes and canals, dredging and dumping of excavated soil, ports, offshore transshipment points, cargo terminals, and landfills. The Tuzla Ravine is examined separately as a source of anthropogenic suspended matter. Data indicate that, even 5–10 years after its formation, the ravine remains a major contributor, increasing suspended matter concentrations in the central strait by an order of magnitude compared to the surrounding background.

Conclusions. The structure regularities of concentration fields of colored dissolved organic matter and total suspended matter of anthropogenic origin in the Kerch Strait have been identified. The polluted areas within the water region, along with their associated sources, have been delineated, and the linear scale of their impact on the aquatic environment has been assessed. Comparison of these findings with existing studies of water pollution in the region demonstrates strong agreement.

Keywords

colored dissolved organic matter, total suspended matter, water structure, pollution, Kerch Strait

Acknowledgements

The study was conducted under the framework of state assignments FNNN-2024-0016 and FNNN-2024-0012.

Original russian text

Original Russian Text © P. D. Lomakin, A. A. Chepyzhenko, A. I. Chepyzhenko, 2025, published in MORSKOY GIDROFIZICHESKIY ZHURNAL, Vol. 41, Iss. 4, pp. 467–483 (2025)

For citation

Lomakin, P.D., Chepyzhenko, A.A. and Chepyzhenko, A.I., 2025. Colored Dissolved Organic Matter and Total Suspended Matter as the Indicators of Water Pollution in the Kerch Strait. Physical Oceanography, 32(4), pp. 492-507.

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