Moreover, in view of the extent of anoxic zones in the Baltic in the 1990s (HELCOM 1996)

resulting from the level of primary production in 1965–1998, and its increase in 2050 (Table 1), the inference must be that the situation will deteriorate considerably. There are a very few other factors influencing POC concentrations that have not been considered in our simulations. They include organic matter originating from resuspended sediments, Panobinostat supplier and organic matter discharged with river runoff (Pempkowiak & Kupryszewski 1980, Pocklington & Pempkowiak 1984, Pempkowiak 1985, Petterson et al. 1997). These are certain to have minor effects on POC concentrations in the ‘open’ Baltic, as far as loads of particulate organic matter are concerned. Another such factor not considered in the simulations is the increase in CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. This is sure to lead to both acidification of sea water and enhanced primary productivity (Caldeira & Wicket 2003, Tortell et al. 2006, Omsted et al. 2009). Nonetheless, the acidification expected to take place by 2050 may be insufficient to have any substantial effect on

primary productivity (species and species succession). Of course, actual levels of nutrients, light and temperature may differ from those assumed in our simulations. Even so, our results indicate clearly Romidepsin solubility dmso and quantitatively the types of changes in POC concentrations in Baltic sea water that can be expected in the forthcoming few decades. According to the simulated data – the daily, monthly, seasonal and annual variability of POC for the assumed nutrient concentrations, available light, water temperature and wind speed scenarios – increases in the annual average POC concentration in the southern Baltic Sea are anticipated (see Figure 3 and Table 2): ca 110% for phytoplankton, ca 63% for pelagic detritus, ca 72.5% for

POC (90% in GdD), and ca 50% and 75% for zooplankton in GtD and BD respectively, and a considerable increase of ca 130% in GdD. This situation is due to the occurrence of a large zooplankton biomass in the autumn (ca 380 mgC m−3 in the second half 4-Aminobutyrate aminotransferase of October), resulting from the high phytoplankton biomass (ca 370 mgC m−3) and pelagic detritus concentration (ca 380 mgC m−3) throughout the summer. The increased primary production and phytoplankton biomass will lead to a rise in zooplankton biomass and pelagic detritus concentrations, and larger numbers of zooplankton consumers, including fish. The results of the scenarios assumed in this work will have important consequences for the Baltic ecosystem. Excess particulate organic matter sinks to the bottom, where it is mineralized, causing loss of oxygen in the water layer below the halocline.