HYDROCARBON POLLUTION OF WATER AND BOTTOM SEDIMENTS IN COASTAL AREAS OF THE CAUCASIAN SECTOR OF THE BLACK SEA (2021, 2022)

The current levels of aliphatic (20 μg/L, IR method) and polycyclic aromatic (90 ng/L, fluorescence method) hydrocarbons in suspended particulate matter of surface water and in bottom sediments have been determined in the coastal areas of the Caucasian sector of the Black Sea within the boundaries of the Russian Federation (in September 2021, May and September 2022). Despite the decrease in hydrocarbon concentrations in surface water over recent years, the Kerch Strait belongs to the most polluted area, as before. Accumulation of hydrocarbons occurs in bottom sediments, which leads to an increase in their content in Corg (for aliphatic hydrocarbons, up to 14.2% near Tuapse region and 13.1% near Novorossiysk). It was found that along with pollution, hydrocarbon levels are greatly influenced by such natural processes as the productivity of the region and fluid flows from the sedimentary mass.