Baltic Sea Water Tritium And Stable Isotopes In 2016-2017*

Water samples from the different basins of the Baltic Sea and North Sea were collected during four cruises taken place in 2016-2017. Altogether 60 water samples for H-3 activity concentration and 120 water samples for stable isotopes ratio (delta O-18 and delta H-2) were analysed. Exceptionally strong inflow activity from North Sea to the Baltic Sea occurred prior our surveys. The data obtained enabled comprehensive evaluation of tritium and stable isotopes distribution in waters of Baltic Sea and contributing inputs, including riverine and atmospheric freshwater flux and saline water inflow through the Danish Straits. By comparing with the previous studies, we noticed a tendency toward an increase in the delta O-18 and delta H-2 values of zero-salinity component over time, which may be due to climate change. In the case of tritium, the influence of artificial sources has also been noticed.