EN
The mineralization (expressed as O₂ consumption and CO₂ release) of Scenedesmus quadricauda detritus was investigated in homothermal (spring, autumn) and stratified (summer, winter) conditions, using the MicroOxymax respirometer. In experiments, the rate of O₂ consumption and CO₂ release, sedimentation rate and time of mineralization of phycodetritus in water from 2.5, 7.5 and >17 m depth were determined. It was found that 41% and 100% of detritus carbon (31.4 mg C dm⁻³) added to the water could be mineralized in whole water column in time 28 days during spring and 37 days during autumn homothermal conditions. In summer stratification periods 61% of the detritus carbon during 29 days, and in winter 100% during 35 days, could be mineralised down to the depth 18 m. The rate of mineralization of phycodetritus depends on temperature and activity of microflora. The differences in the rate of O₂ consumption and CO₂ release between particular layers of water and seasons were statistically significant in the majority of cases.