Phytoplankton structure, composition and production in saline water-bodies in the Lower Amu Dar'ya

Phytoplankton and its production in water-bodies of the lower Amu Dar'ya were investigated in 1984–1989. The structure and functional nature of the phytoplankton in the water-bodies studied were analogous to those of the littoral zone of eutrophic lakes, considering hydrological and hydrochemical conditions. The very high average annual P/B ratios (453–582) are considered as regional features, namely high light intensity and prolonged light period, the salinity usual for saline waters under anthropogenic influence, the frequent and discrete income of nutrients in drainage water and from sediments.