Production–Destruction Processes and Balance of Organic Matter in the Water Column of Reservoirs

Abstract—The relationship between primary production and destruction of organic matter is considered (A/R and ΣA/ΣR) in the water of Volga reservoirs as an indicator of plankton metabolism and the functional state of the aquatic ecosystem. Data are provided on the seasonal dynamics and spatial distribution of A/R and ΣA/ΣR values across the water area of individual reservoirs and for the entire cascade. The dynamics of ΣA/ΣR as an indicator of the successional state of the ecosystem are considered. Based on the integral indicators of primary production and destruction, calculations of the total energy flow passing through the ecosystem are made.