Long-term dynamics of water-borne nitrogen, phosphorus and suspended solids in the lower Don River basin (Russian Federation)

A long-term study (1986–2002) of water-borne nutrient and suspended solids dynamics was undertaken on the lower Don River, which plays an extremely important role in the water supply of the Black Sea and Azov Sea basin. Suspended solids were greatest in spring and summer and were correlated to river discharge. Mean annual nitrogen concentrations increased from 1986 to 1995 and then decreased from 1996 to 2002. Unlike nitrogen, phosphorus concentrations (both phosphates and total phosphorus) gradually increased throughout the study period changing the river from an oligotrophic to upper mesotrophic status. If this trend continues phytoplankton could become nitrogen-limited leading to the dev…