The state of phytoplankton in the Taganrog Bay and factors determining its development in 2017
The work presents the results of a study of phytoplankton in Taganrog Bay of the Sea of Azov and the downstream reaches of the Don River (January, April – November 2017). During the study was identified the modern taxonomic composition (210 species of eukaryotic algae and cyanobacteria). Ecological and geographical analysis was showed the stability of the general structure of the plankton algoflora of the studied area compared with previous years of the study (1980s to early 2000s). The work also presents a characteristic of the seasonal dynamics of taxonomic, size structures, and coenotic composition of phytoplankton. During the study was noted the temporary and qualitative changes in composition of phytoplankton, which are indicate a high level of organic matter in the studied reservoirs and an increase in the heterotrophic component in the functioning of the Lower Don ecosystem. It was found that in the studied water bodies the important factor in the formation of composition and the structure of phytoplankton is salinity.