Organic matter in shore-laid sediments of lake Baikal shallow bays

The article studies the organic matter content, carbon isotopic composition and organic matter destruction of shore-laid sediments of Lake Baikal shallow bays. The organic carbon content depend on the type of sediment and amount to 0.03-7.32%. Shorelaid sediments of shallow bays are characterized by high concentration of organic matter, an increase in the proportion of allochthonous organic matter, and more intense microbial destruction, than in the control areas of open Baikal. This is associated with the influence of river runoff and the peculiarities of the ecological conditions of bays. We have revealed the predominance of aerobic destruction over anaerobic, which indicates a favorable state of shore-laid sediments.