Nutrient behaviour in two contrasting Scottisch estuaries, the Forth and Tay

摘要: The distribution and behaviour of nutrients (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, silicate phosphate) have been examined over the course a year in two major Scottish estuaries, Forth Tay. Maximum concentrations nitrate both estuaries occur winter, when mixing is conservative. By contrast maximum phosphate, ammonia nitrite (notably Forth) are observed summer, these related to lower oxygen within water column sediments. Phosphate, high relative Phosphate plots for show some common features including removal at low salinity, mid estuary inputs simple dilution salinity. results interpreted on basis onto particles salinity followed by desorption higher together with an input from sediment porewaters. In phosphate flux sediments during summer estimated be 1.98 +/- 1.25 mmol m-2 day-1. At this time river phosphorus only 10- 14 % input. Under flow conditions large turbidity (400-500 mg l-1 suspended solids) develops phosphate. Removal less dramatic Tay as wind generated therefore rarely exceeds 100 1-1. Water quality (as defined occurrence dissolved presence species such nitrite) inferior that Relative contaminated however low. virtue its fresh discharge more significant source North Sea winter than Forth...