Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Elemental composition of seston and nutrient dynamics in the Sea of Marmara

  • Published:
Hydrobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The Sea of Marmara, an intercontinental basin with shallow and narrowstraits, connects the Black and Mediterranean Seas. Data obtained during1991–1996 have permitted the determination of the elementalcomposition of seston in the euphotic zone and the N:P ratio of thesubhalocline waters of the Marmara Sea. Since primary production is alwayslimited to the less saline upper layer (15–20 m), of the Marmara Sea,the subhalocline waters of Mediteranean origin are always rich in nutrients(NO3 + NO2 = 8–10 µm, PO4 = 0.8–1.2 µm) but depleted in dissolvedoxygen (30–50 µm) throughout the basin, yielding an -O_2 : N : P ratio of 178 : 9 : 1. Pollution of the surfacewaters since the 60s has modified the subhalocline nutrient chemistryslightly. In the euphotic zone, the N : P ratio of the seston changes from5.9 to 9.5 between the less and more productive periods. Though the biologyof the Marmara has changed significantly during the previous two decades,the close relationship observed between the elemental composition of thesurface seston and the NO3 : PO4 ratio of thesubhalocline waters strongly suggests that during the whole year primaryproduction throughout the basin and POM export to the lower layer remainnitrogen-limited. This suggestion needs to be confirmed by bio-assays,biological studies and sediment trap data from the upper subhaloclinedepths. Nonetheless, the counterflows in the Marmara basin possessrelatively low N : P ratios in both dissolved and particulate nutrients andextend as far as the adjacent seas.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alldradge, A. L., U. Passow & B. E. Logan, 1993. The abundance and significance of large, transparent organic particles in the ocean. Deep-Sea Res. 40: 1131–1140.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andersen, J. J. & E. C. Carmark, 1974. Observations of chemical and physical fine-structure in a strong pycnocline, Sea of Marmara. Deep-Sea Res. 21: 877–886.

    Google Scholar 

  • Banse, K., 1994. Grazing and zooplankton production as key controls of phytoplankton production in the open ocean. Oceanography 7: 13–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Besiktepe, S. T., E. Özsoy & Ü. Ünlüata, 1993. Filling of the Marmara Sea by the Dardanelles lower layer inflow. DeepSea Res. 40: 1815–1838.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Besiktepe, S. T., H. I. Sur, E. Özsoy, M. Abdul Latif, T. Oguz & Ü. Ünløata, 1994. The circulation and hydrography of the Marmara Sea. Prog. Oceanog. 34: 285–334.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bologa, A. S., 1985. Planktonic primary productivity of the Black Sea: a review. Thallassia Jugoslavica 21/22: 1–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bologa, A. S., N. Bodeanu, A. Petran, V. Tiganus & Y.P. Zaitsev, 1995. Major modifications of the Black Sea benthic and planktonic biota in the last three decades. Bulletin de l’Institut oceanographique, Monaco special, 15: 180–185.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brewer, P. G. & J. W. Murray, 1973. Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in the Black Sea. Deep Sea Res. 20: 803–818.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cociasu, A., V. Diaconu, L. Teren, I. Nae, L. Popa, L. Drogan & V. Malciu, 1997. Nutrient stocks on the western shelf of the Black Sea in the last three decades. In E. Ozsoy & A. Mikaelyan (eds), Sensitivity to Changes: Black Sea, Baltic Sea and North Sea, NATO ASI Series, Kluwer Academic Publishers.

  • Copin-Montegut, C. & G. Copin-Montegut, 1983. Stoichiometry of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in marine particulate matter. Deep Sea Res. 30: 31–46.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ediger, D. & A. Yilmaz, 1996. Variability of light transparency in physically and biochemically different water masses: Turkish Seas. Fresenis envir. Bull. 5: 133–140.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ergin, M., M. N. Bodur, D. Ediger, V. Ediger & A. Yýlmaz, 1993. Organic carbon distribution in the surface sediments of the Sea of Marmara and its control by the inflows from the adjacent water masses. Mar. chem. 41: 311–326.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Epply, R. W., G. Harrison, S. W. Chisholm & E. Stewart, 1977. Particulate organic matter in surface waters off southern California and its relationship to phytoplankton. J. mar. Res. 35: 671–696.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friederich, G. E., L. A. Codispoti & C. M. Sakamoto, 1990. Bottle and pumpcast data from the 1988 Black Sea expedition. Moneterey Bay Aquarium Res. Inst., Tech. rep. No. 90–3.

  • Goldman, J. C., J. J. McCarthy & D. G. Peavey, 1979. Growth rate influence on the chemical composition of phytoplankton in oceanic waters. Nature. 279: 210–215.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holligan, P. M., E. Fernandez, J. Aiken, W. M. Balch, P. Boyd, P. H. Burkill, M. Finch, S. B. Groom, G. Malin, K. Muller, D. A. Purdie, C. Robinson, C. C. Trees, S. M. Turner & P. van der Wal, 1993. A biogeochemocal study of the coccolithophere, Emiliania huxleyi, in the north Atlantic. Global Biogeochemical Cycles 7: 879–900.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holm-Hansen, O., C. J. Lorenzen, R. W. Holms & Y. M. H. A. Strickland, 1965. Fluorometric determination of chlorophyll. J. cons. perm. int. explore Mer. 30: 3–15.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Izdar, E., T. Konuk, V. Ittekott, S. Kempe & E.T. Degens, 1987. Particle flux in the Black Sea: Nature of organic matter in the shelf waters of the Black Sea. In E. T. Degens, E. Izdar & S. Honjo (eds), Particle Flux in the Ocean. Mitt. Geol.-Paleont. Inst., Univ. Hamburg, SCOPE/UNEP Sonderband, No: 62, 1–18.

  • Karl, D.M., J. E. Dore, D. V. Hebel & C. Winn, 1991. Procedures for particulate carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and total mass analyses used in the US-JGOFS Hawaii Ocean Time-series Program. In D. C. Hurd & D. W. Spencer (eds), Marine Particles: Analysis and Characterization, Geophysical Monograph 63: 71–77.

  • Kideys, A. E., 1994. Recent dramatic changes in the Black Sea ecosystem: the reason for the sharp decline in Turkish anchovy fisheries. J. mar. Syst. 5: 171–181.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kocatas, A., T. Koray, M. Kaya & O.F. Kara, 1993. Fisheries and environment studies in the Black Sea system. Part. 3: A review of the fishery resources and tehir environment in the Sea of Marmara. Studies and Reviews. General Fisheries Council for the Mediteranean. No: 64, Rome, FAO: 87–143.

  • Mee, L. D., 1992. The Black Sea in crisis. Ambio 21: 278–286.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, A. R., P. Tcheria & H. Charnock, 1970. Medireranean Sea Atlas of Temperatute, Salinity, Oxygen Profiles and Data from the R/V Atlantis and R/V Chain with distribution of Nutrient Chemical Properties.

  • Morkoç, E. & S. Tu′δrul, 1995. Atýksu kirlili′δinin Ýzmit Körfezinin fiziksel ve biyokimyasal özelliklerine etkisi. Tr. J. enginer. & enviz. Scienc. 19: 87–96 (in Turkish).

    Google Scholar 

  • Oguz, T., H. Duclow, P. Malanotte-Rizolli, S. Tu{ie167-01}rul, N.P. Nezlin & Ü. Ünlüata, 1996. Simulation of annual plankton productivity cycle in the Black Sea by one-dimensional physical-biological model. J. geophy. Res. 101: 16,585–16,599.

    Google Scholar 

  • Orhon, D., O. Uslu, S. Meriç, I. Salihoglu & A. Filibeli, 1994. Wastewater management for Istanbul: Basis for treatment and disposal. Envir. Pollut. 84: 167–178.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Polat, S. Ç. & S. Tu{ie167-02}rul, 1995. Nutrient and organic carbon exchanges between the Black and Marmara seas through the Bosphorus strait. Cont. shelf Res. 15: 1115–1132.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Polat, S. Ç., 1995. Nutrient and Organic Carbon Budgets in the Sea of Marmara: A Progressive Effort on the Biogeochemical Cycles of Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus. Ph.D. Thesis, Erdemli-Turkey, 215 pp.

  • Polat, S. Ç. & S. Tu{ie167-03}rul, 1996. Chemical exchange between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea via the Turkish straits. In F. Briand (ed.), Dynamics of Mediterranean Straits and Channels, CIESM Science Series No2. Bulletin Oceanographique Monaco, No special 17: 167–186.

  • Rieseball, U., 1991a. Particle aggregation during a diatom bloom. I. Physical aspects. Mar. ecol. prog. Ser. 69: 273–280.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rieseball, U., 1991b. Particle aggregation during a diatom bloom. I. Biological aspects. Mar. ecol. prog. Ser. 69: 281–291.

    Google Scholar 

  • Redfield, A. C., B.H. Ketchum & F.A. Richards, 1963. The influence of organisms on the composition of sea-water. In M. N. Hill (ed.), The Sea, ideas and observations on progress in the study of the seas. Interscience 2: 26–77.

  • Richards, F.A., 1965: Anoxic basins and fjords. In J. P. Riley & G. Skirrow (eds), Chemical Oceanography, V.1, Academic Press: 611–645.

  • Sakshaug, E., K. Andresen, S. Myklestad & Y. Olsen, 1983. Nutrient status of phytoplankton communities in Norwegian waters (marine, brackish, fresh) as revealed by their composition. J. Plankton Res. 5: 175–196.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sen Gupta, R., 1971. Oceanography of the Black Sea: Inorganic nitrogen compounds. Deep-Sea Res. 18: 457–475.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Serpoianu, G. I. Nae & V. Malciu, 1992. Danube water influence on sea water salinity at the Romanian littoral. Rapports et Procés verbaux des Reunions de la CIESMM. 33: 233.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shiganova, T., A. N. Tarkan, A. Dede & M. Cebeci, 1995. Distribution of the Ichthyo-Jellplankton Mnemiopsis leidyi (Agassiz, 1865) in the Marmara Sea (October 1992). Turk. J. mar. Sci. 1: 3–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smetacek, V. S., 1985. Role of sinking in diatom life-history cycles: ecological, evolutionary and geological significance. Mar. Biol. 84: 239–251.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sorokin, Yu. I., A. N. Tarkan, B. Ozturk & M. Albay, 1995. Primary production, bacterioplankton and planktonic protozoa in the Marmara Sea. Turk. J. mar. Sci. 1: 37–54.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Strickland, J. D. H. & T. R. Parsons, 1972. A practical handbook of seawater analysis, 2nd edn., Ottowa, Fisheries Research Board.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sur, H. I., E. Özsoy & Ü. Ünlüata, 1994. Boundary current instabilities, uppwelling, shelf mixing and eutrophication processes in the Black Sea. Progr. in Oceanogr. 33: 227–264.

    Google Scholar 

  • Takahashi, T., W. S. Broecker & S. Langer, 1985. Redfield ratio based on chemical data from isopycnal surfaces. J. geophy. Res. 90: 6907–6924.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tett, P., J. C. Cottrell, D. O. Trew & B. J. B. Wood, 1975. Phosphorus quota and the chlorophyll: carbon ratio in marine phytoplankton. Limnol. Oceanogr. 20: 587–603.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tolmazin, D., 1985. Changing coastal oceanography of the Black Sea. Progr. in Oceanogr. 15: 217–276.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tu{ie167-04}rul, S., 1993. Comparison of TOC concentrations by persulfate-UV and HTCO techniques in the Marmara and Black Seas. Mar. Chem. 41: 265–270.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tu{ie167-05}rul, S. & S. Ç. Polat, 1995. Quantitative comparison of the influxes of nutrients and organic carbon into the Sea of Marmara both from antropogenic inputs and from the Black Sea. Water Sci. Techn 32: 115–121.

    Google Scholar 

  • Uysal, Z., 1996. A net-plankton study in the Bosphorus junction of the Sea of Marmara. Tr. J. Bot. 20: 321–327.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vinogradov, M. E. & E. A. Shushkina, 1992. Temporal changes in community structure in the open Black Sea. Oceanology 32: 485–491.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vostokov, S. V. & V. I. Vedernikov, 1988. Living and nonliving particulate organic matter in the euphotic zone of the epipelagic ecosystem. Oceanology 28: 100–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vostokov, S.V., 1996. Suspended matter as a measure of productivity in the western Black Sea. Oceanology 36: 241–247.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. I.U.-Inst. of Marine Scs.and Management, Muskule Sok., No:1, 34470, Vefa-Istanbul, Turkey

    S. C. Polat

  2. M.E.T.U.-Inst. of Marine Sciences, P.O.Box 28, 33731, Erdemli-Icel, Turkey

    S. Tuğrul, Y. Çoban, O. Basturk & I. Salihoglu

Authors
  1. S. C. Polat
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. S. Tuğrul
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Y. Çoban
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. O. Basturk
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. I. Salihoglu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Polat, S.C., Tuğrul, S., Çoban, Y. et al. Elemental composition of seston and nutrient dynamics in the Sea of Marmara. Hydrobiologia 363, 157–167 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003117504005

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003117504005

Search

Navigation