Interaction of Biogeochemical Sulfur and Carbon Cycles in Marine Basins by the Example of the Black Sea

Abstract

The interaction of biogeochemical sulfur and carbon cycles in water bodies has been studied by the different authors and methods, including the use of ³⁵S and ¹⁴C radioactive tracers. The main reactions of sulfur and carbon interaction by the example of the Black Sea (sulfate reduction, methanogenesis, aerobic and anaerobic methane oxidation) are considered. Based on the experimental radioisotope data, the annual microbial production of H₂S and CH₄ in the water column of the Black Sea is estimated. The average annual production of CH₄ is 3.8% of the annual production of H₂S. The share of migration methane from the bottom sediments (seeps, mud volcanoes, etc.) is approximately 2% of the total dissolved methane pool.