CARBON INPUTS AND BIOGEOCHEMICAL PROCESSES AT THE HALOCLINE IN A STRATIFIED ESTUARY - KRKA RIVER, YUGOSLAVIA

Suspended matter, particulate and dissolved organic carbon and dissolved inorganic carbon were measured seasonally from 1987 to 1989 in the Krka Estuary. Carbon inputs by the river are low because of the small river flow and the low content of suspended matter of its water. The permanent stratification of the estuary creates an unusual environment, with a very sharp salinity gradient at the freshwater-seawater interface. The accumulation of particulate organic carbon at the interface and the production of dissolved organic carbon suggest that an enhanced biological activity influences the organic matter budget.