Parameterization of the Dependence of Integral Phytoplankton Biomass on Chlorophyll Concentration at the Black Sea Surface Based on Expeditionary Research Data

I. V. Kovalуоva

A. O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas of RAS, Sevastopol, Russian Federation

e-mail: ilonavk@ibss-ras.ru

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to present an algorithm for calculating the integral phytoplankton biomass in the Black Sea euphotic layer using expeditionary data, and to perform a comparative analysis of the variability of the studied characteristics obtained by means of calculations in two ways: using direct measurements of chlorophyll concentration along the horizons, and based on the parameterization results.

Methods and Results. The algorithm for calculating the integral biomass of phytoplankton is presented. Data from Crimean coastal waters at the depths of 20–1500 m, collected during R/V Professor Vodyanitsky cruises for different seasons of 2018–2022, were used in this study. The estimates resulted from parameterization and those obtained from calculations based on direct measurements of the individual input parameters at different depths are compared. The results of parameterization statistical analysis show that the determination coefficients varied in the range 0.70–0.74. In the photosynthesis zone, the monthly averages of integral phytoplankton biomass (calculated from the expeditionary data) in June and October constitute 768 ± 283 and 2277 ± 726 mg С/m2, respectively. In the upper mixed layer, in June they are 556 ± 270 mg С/m2, and in October – 2023 ± 725 mg С/m2. The parameterization-derived monthly averages for the whole water area under study differ from the ones calculated using the direct measurements of input parameters at different depths by 0.9–4%. The chlorophyll a concentration profiles for individual months in 2018–2022 are considered and mathematically described using the function obtained in earlier studies. In autumn, maximum values of chlorophyll a are observed mainly in the upper mixed layer. In summer, they occur at the lower boundary of the euphotic zone, where up to ~ 0.1% of light reaching the sea surface penetrates.

Conclusions. The above parameterization of integral phytoplankton biomass is applicable to all the seasons, easy to use and agrees well with the results of calculations based on direct measurements of chlorophyll concentration at different depths. In the future, the calculation algorithm will be refined to facilitate computations based on satellite data.

Keywords

integral biomass, phytoplankton, Black Sea, calculation algorithm, chlorophyll a concentration profiles

Acknowledgements

The study was funded by the Russian Science Foundation and the Government of Sevastopol (Grant No. 24-27-20014, “Transformation of the structure and functional characteristics of the Black Sea phytoplankton off the Crimea coast in modern environmental conditions. Fundamental role and applied importance”, https://rscf.ru/project/24-27-20014/). The work was carried out at the Center for Collective Use of R/V Professor Vodyanitsky. The author expresses gratitude to N. V. Minina, Leading Engineer, for collecting data during the cruises.

Original russian text

Original Russian Text © I. V. Kovalуоva, 2025, published in MORSKOY GIDROFIZICHESKIY ZHURNAL, Vol. 41, Iss. 3, pp. 331–345 (2025)

For citation

Kovalуоva, I.V., 2025. Parameterization of the Dependence of Integral Phytoplankton Biomass on Chlorophyll Concentration at the Black Sea Surface Based on Expeditionary Research Data. Physical Oceanography, 32(3), pp. 347-360.

References

  1. Selifonova, Zh.P. and Yasakova, O.N., 2012. Phytoplankton of Areas of the Seaports of the Northeastern Black Sea. Marine Ecological Journal, 11(4), pp. 67-77 (in Russian).
  2. Krasheninnikova, S.B., Minkina, N.I., Samyshev, E.Z. and Shokurova, I.G., 2019. The Influence of the Complex of Environmental Factors on the Phytoplankton and Zooplankton Biomass in the Black Sea in Spring. Ekologiya i Stroitelstvo, (4), pp. 14-21. https://doi.org/10.35688/2413-8452-2019-04-002
  3. Stelmakh, L.V. and Mansurova, I.M., 2020. Long-Term Dynamics of Phytoplankton and Chlorophyll a Concentration in the Surface Layer of the Coastal Waters of the Black Sea (Sevastopol Region). Issues of Modern Algology, 1(22), pp. 66-81. https://doi.org/10.33624/2311-0147-2020-1(22)-66-81 (in Russian).
  4. Stelmakh, L.V., 2019. Effect of Phytoplankton Adaptation on the Distribution of Its Biomass and Chlorophyll-a Concentration in the Surface Layer of the Black Sea. Monitoring Systems of Environment, 1(5), pp. 106-114. https://doi.org/10.33075/2220-5861-2019-1-106-114 (in Russian).
  5. Morozova-Vodyanitskaya, N.V., 1948. [Phytoplankton of the Black Sea. Part I. Phytoplankton in the Sevastopol Region and a General Overview of the Phytoplankton of the Black Sea]. In: SBS, 1948. Trudy Sevastopolskoj Biologichskoj Stantsii. Moscow-Leningrad: AS USSR Publishing. Vol. 6, pp. 39‑172 (in Russian).
  6. Morozova-Vodyanitskaya, N.V., 1954. [Phytoplankton of the Black Sea. Part 2. Phytoplankton in the Sevastopol Region and a General Overview of the Phytoplankton of the Black Sea]. In: SBS, 1948. Trudy Sevastopolskoj Biologichskoj Stantsii. Moscow-Leningrad: AS USSR Publishing. Vol. 8, pp. 11‑99 (in Russian).
  7. Marañón, E., Holligan, P.M., Varela, M., Mouriño, B. and Bale, A.J., 2000. Basin-Scale Variability of Phytoplankton Biomass, Production and Growth in the Atlantic Ocean. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers, 47(5), pp. 825-857. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0967-0637(99)00087-4
  8. Pérez, V., Fernández, E., Marañón, E., Morán, X.A.G. and Zubkov, M.V., 2006 Vertical Distribution of Phytoplankton Biomass, Production and Growth in the Atlantic Subtropical Gyres. Deep Sea Research I: Oceanographic Research Papers, 53(10), pp. 1616-1634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2006.07.008
  9. Behrenfeld, M.J., Boss, E., Siegel, D.A. and Shea, D.M., 2005. Carbon-Based Ocean Productivity and Phytoplankton Physiology from Space. Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 19(1), GB1006. https://doi.org/10.1029/2004GB002299
  10. Stelmakh, L.V., 2015. Spatial and Temporal Variability of Carbon to Chlorophyll a Ratio in Phytoplankton of the Surface Layer in Shallow Water Areas of the Black Sea (Crimea). International Journal on Algae, 17(4), pp. 385-396. https://doi.org/10.1615/InterJAlgae.v17.i4.60
  11. Mikaelyan, A.S., Pautova, L.A., Chasovnikov, V.K., Mosharov, S.A. and Silkin, V.A., 2015. Alternation of Diatoms and Coccolithophores in the North-Eastern Black Sea: A Response to Nutrient Changes. Hydrobiologia, 755(1), pp. 89-105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-015-2219‑z
  12. Silkin, V.A., Pautova, L.A., Giordano, M., Chasovnikov, V.K., Vostokov, S.V., Podymov, O.I., Pakhomova, S.V. and Moskalenko, L.V., 2019. Drivers of Phytoplankton Blooms in the Northeastern Black Sea. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 138, pp. 274-284, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.11.042
  13. Zhitina, L.S., Ilyash, L.V., Belevich, T.A., Klyuvitkin, A.A., Kravchishina, M.D., Tolstikov, A.V. and Tchultsova, A.L., 2016. Phytoplankton Structure in the White Sea after Summer Bloom: Spatial Heterogeneity in Relation to Hydrophysical Conditions. Sibirskiy Ecologicheskiy Jurnal, 23(6), pp. 888-899. https://doi.org/10.15372/SEJ20160608 (in Russian).
  14. Menden-Deuer, S. and Lessard, E.J., 2000. Carbon to Volume Relationships for Dinoflagellates, Diatoms, and Other Protist Plankton. Limnology & Oceanography, 45(3), рр. 569-579. https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.2000.45.3.0569
  15. Finenko, Z.Z., Kovalyova, I.V. and Suslin, V.V., 2018. A New Approach to Estimate Phytoplankton Biomass and Its Variability in the Black Sea Surface Water Layer Based on Satellite Data. Uspekhi Sovremennoi Biologii, 138(3), pp. 294-307. https://doi.org/10.7868/S0042132418030079 (in Russian).
  16. Abakumov, A.I. and Pak, S.Ya., 2021. Modeling of Photosynthesis Process and Assessing of Phytoplankton Dynamics Based on Droop Model. Mathematical Biology and Bioinformatics, 16(2), pp. 380-393. https://doi.org/10.17537/2021.16.380 (in Russian).
  17. Oguz, T., Ducklow, H.W. and Malanotte-Rizzoli, P., 2000. Modeling Distinct Vertical Biogeochemical Structure of the Black Sea: Dynamical Coupling of the Oxic, Suboxic, and Anoxic Layers. Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 14(4), pp. 1331-1352. https://doi.org/10.1029/1999GB001253
  18. Finenko, Z.Z., Suslin, V.V. and Churilova, T.Ya., 2009. The Regional Model to Calculate the Black Sea Primary Production Using Satellite Color Scanner SeaWiFS. Morskoy Ekologicheskiy Zhurnal, 8(1), pp. 81-106 (in Russian).
  19. Kovalyova, I.V. and Suslin, V.V., 2022. Integrated Primary Production in the Deep-Sea Regions of the Black Sea in 1998–2015. Physical Oceanography, 29(4), pp. 404-416. https://doi.org/10.22449/1573-160X-2022-4-404-416
  20. Kubryakov, A.A., Belokopytov, V.N., Zatsepin, A.G., Stanichny, S.V. and Piotukh, V.B., 2019. The Black Sea Mixed Layer Depth Variability and Its Relation to the Basin Dynamics and Atmospheric Forcing. Physical Oceanography, 26(5), pp. 397-413. https://doi.org/10.22449/1573-160X-2019-5-397-413
  21. Stelmakh, L.V., Mansurova, I.M., Farber, A.A., Kovaleva, I.V. and Borisova, D.S., 2024. Structural and Functional Parameters of the Black Sea Phytoplankton during the Summer Bloom of the Coccolithophore Emiliania Huxleyi. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 76, 103594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2024.103594
  22. Kovalyova, I.V. and Suslin, V.V., 2023. Seasonal Variability of Biomass and Specific Growth Rate of Phytoplankton for 2016-2020 in the Deep-Water Zone of the Black Sea. Sovremennye Problemy Distantsionnogo Zondirovaniya Zemli iz Kosmosa, 20(4), pp. 250-262. https://doi.org/10.21046/2070-7401-2023-20-4-250-262 (in Russian).
  23. Finenko, Z.Z., Churilova, T.Ya. and Li, R.I., 2005. Vertical Distribution of Chlorophyll and Fluorescence in the Black Sea. Morskoy Ekologicheskiy Zhurnal, 4(1), pp. 15-46 (in Russian).
  24. Kubryakova, E.A., Kubryakov, A.A. and Stanichny, S.V., 2018. Impact of Winter Cooling on Water Vertical Entrainment and Intensity of Phytoplankton Bloom in the Black Sea. Physical Oceanography, 25(3), pp. 191-206. https://doi.org/10.22449/1573-160X-2018-3-191-206
  25. Mellor, G.L., 2001. One-Dimensional, Ocean Surface Layer Modeling: A Problem and a Solution. Journal of Physical Oceanography, 31(3), pp. 790-809. https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0485(2001)0312.0.CO;2
  26. Finenko, Z.Z., Mansurova, I.M., Kovalyova, I.V. and Georgieva, E.Yu., 2021. Development of Phytoplankton in the Winter-Spring Period in the Coastal Waters of Crimea. Marine Biological Journal, 6(1), pp. 102-114. https://doi.org/10.21072/mbj.2021.06.1.08 (in Russian).
  27. Finenko, Z.Z., Mansurova, I.M. and Suslin, V.V., 2022. Temporal Dynamics of Phytoplankton Biomass in the Surface Layer of the Black Sea According to Satellite Observations. Oceanology, 62(3), pp. 358-368. https://doi.org/10.1134/S0001437022030043
  28. Pautova, L.A., Mikaelyan, A.S. and Silkin, V.A, 2007. Structure of Plankton Phytocoenoses in the Shelf Waters of the Northeastern Black Sea during the Emiliania Huxleyi Bloom in 2002–2005. Oceanology, 47(3), pp. 377-385. https://doi.org/10.1134/S0001437007030101
  29. Mikaelyan, A.S., Silkin, V.A. and Pautova, L.A., 2011. Coccolithophorids in the Black Sea: Their Interannual and Long-Term Changes. Oceanology, 51(1), pp. 39-48. https://doi.org/10.1134/S0001437011010127
  30. Silkin, V.A., Pautova, L.A., Pakhomova, S.V., Lifanchuk, A.V., Yakushev, E.V. and Chasovnikov, V.K., 2014. Environmental Control on Phytoplankton Community Structure in the NE Black Sea. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 461, pp. 267-274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2014.08.009
  31. Sergeeva, V.M., Mosharov, S.A., Shulga, N.A., Kremenetskiy, V.V., Khlebopashev, P.V. and Matorin, D.N., 2023. Response of the Coastal Phytoplankton Community to the Runoff from Small Rivers in the Northeastern Black Sea. Diversity, 15(7), 857. https://doi.org/10.3390/d15070857
  32. Vichi, M., Pinardi, N. and Masina, S., 2007. A Generalized Model of Pelagic Biogeochemistry for the Global Ocean Ecosystem. Part I: Theory. Journal of Marine Systems, 64(1-4), pp. 89-109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmarsys.2006.03.006
  33. Dorofeev, V.L., Korotaev, G.K. and Sukhikh, L.I., 2017. Analysis-Forecast System of the Black Sea Ecosystem State. Problems of Ecological Monitoring and Ecosystem Modelling, 28(2), pp. 71-85. https://doi.org/10.21513/0207-2564-2017-2-71-85 (in Russian).
  34. Belyaev, V.I. and Konduforova, N.V., 1990. Mathematical Modelling of the Ecological Shelf Systems. Kiev: Naukova Dumka, 240 p. (in Russian).
  35. Suslin, V.V., Churilova, T.Ya. and Pryahina, S.F., 2012. The Black Sea IOPs Based on SeaWiFS Data. Ecological Safety of Coastal and Shelf Zones and Comprehensive Use of Shelf Resources, 26(2), pp. 204-223 (in Russian).

Download the article (PDF)

We use Yandex Metrics. Read more.

Мы используем Яндекс Метрику. Подробнее.