Mathematical Modeling of Biological Rehabilitation of the Taganrog Bay Considering Its Salinization

Taganrog Bay is part of the Azov Sea, which has significant environmental value. However, in recent years, anthropogenic activity and climate change have increasingly impacted this coastal system. These factors have led to increased sea salinity. These factors also contribute to abundant blooms of potentially toxic cyanobacteria. One additional method for preventing the abundant growth of cyanobacteria may be the introduction of green algae into the bay. The aim of this study was to conduct a computational experiment on the biological rehabilitation of Taganrog Bay using mathematical modeling methods. For this purpose, the authors developed and analyzed a mathematical model of phytoplankton populations. A software model was developed based on modern mathematical modeling methods. The input data for the software module included grid points for advective transport velocities, salinity, and temperature, as well as phytoplankton population and nutrient concentrations. The software module outputs three-dimensional distributions of green algae and cyanobacteria concentrations. A computational experiment on biological rehabilitation of the Taganrog Bay by introducing a suspension of green algae was conducted. Green algae and cyanobacteria concentrations were obtained over 15 and 30-day time intervals. The concentration and volume of introduced suspension were empirically determined to prevent harmful cyanobacteria growth without leading to eutrophication of the bay by green algae.