Evaluation of planktonic densities on Romanian Black Sea coast

This paper presents the results achieved during two field campaigns (April and September 2007) on the Romanian Black Sea coast in areas with anthropogenic influences. A fluorescence Lidar was used to discriminate between oil, organic matter and chlorophyll a. This technique is based on analysis of fluorescence signal induced by excitation with a laser beam, in the target object and gives us the opportunity for on line evaluation of water column. Every organic water component is identified and characterized by its spectral fluorescence fingerprint. The Lidar data were used to map the distribution of substances along the ship trajectory. Also classical measurements were done in order to evaluate the chlorophyll concentration, zooplankton species and available nutrients.
The Black Sea presented a high biological productivity, based on biogenic salted intrusion from the tributaries. There is a big quantity of phytoplankton and zooplankton depicted in harbor berths. Seasonal fluctuations in phytoplankton densities, zooplankton abundance and physicochemical parameters are significant. Good correlation was obtained between Lidar and classical measurements of organic matter and chlorophyll.