Biogeochemical processes of formation of methane and hydrogen sulfide in coastal sediments of lake Baikal

The rates of terminal processes of anaerobic organic matter destruction in coastal sediments of Lake Baikal were measured. The rate of sulfate reduction varied from 0,019 to 0,588 ßg S dm -3 day -1. Methane formation occurred at a rate of 0,164-10,66 ßg С dm -3 day -1. The dominance of methane formation was revealed that is also characteristic for deep sediments of Lake Baikal. The average rates of processes in shallow bays were higher than in coastal sediments of the Baikal exposed areas.