(Table 1) Organic matter and biochemical composition of bottom sediments and interstitial waters of several Antarctic areas

Amounts of organic matter, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids were studied in the upper layer of bottom sediments and interstitial waters on the shelf and slope of the Lazarev Sea, the eastern section of the Bransfield Strait, north of the South Georgia Island, and in the northern Peru area. Biological activity of bottom sediments was determined by measuring protease activity (decomposition of proteins to amino acids) and activity of the electron transport system (rate of oxidation of organic matter to CO2 and H2O). Recirculation time of proteins and time of complete oxidation of organic matter to CO2 and H2O were determined. Recirculation time of proteins and of organic matter in the production-destruc¬tion cycle averaged 2 to 3 orders of magnitude shorter in the Antarctic regions than in the Peru area. Interstitial waters are assumed to play a principal role in circulation of organic matter at water-sediment-interstitial water interfaces.