EN
Results of chemical and granulometric investigations of bottom surface sediments of the near-shore zone - beach and shallow water zone - carried out along cross-shore profiles in the Gulf of Gdansk in the period 1994-1996 are presented. Organic matter, total phosphorus and nitrogen, and carbonate (beach and dune) contents, also pH and the reducing-oxidising potential (Eh), as well as granulo-metric composition of the sediments were determined. The seasonal and spatial changes in sediment composition, relationships between the components, the rate of self-purification and the influence of factors shaping the properties of sediments were defined. It has been found that the sediment environment of the Gulf of Gdansk is in poor condition and that its further degradation is likely to happen.