Alloa monitoring buoy, Firth of Forth
Continuous monitoring equipment has been deployed from a buoy in the upper Forth estuary near South Alloa since 1988 to monitor dissolved oxygen, salinity, temperature and turbidity. Dissolved oxygen is consumed by the decomposition of organic matter. Organic matter in the upper Forth estuary originates from discharges of organic waste and organic rich sediments mixed into the water column as a result of the turbulent mixing between the incoming tide and river water. Low oxygen concentrations are typically recorded when Spring tides coincide with low river flow and high temperatures during the Summer. Bacteria are more active and oxygen is less soluble at higher temperatures. Suspended solids concentrations are higher on Spring tides due to the stronger tidal currents. Low river flows reduce the supply of oxygen to the estuary.
South Alloa monitoring buoy factsheet
We have developed a factsheet that provides information about our water monitoring at South Alloa.
Current observations:
Data is collected at 15 minute intervals and the data are displayed as daily averages.
Data requests
If you require any further information regarding our monitoring buoys please contact us.
Disclaimer
The monitoring buoy data is gathered by us to help it fulfil its statutory duties. We publish it online because we recognise that this information may also be useful for others, but we cannot guarantee its currency or availability. Use of the data is subject to our standard terms and conditions of reuse. The majority of our buoys do not have remote telemetry and so data availability is subject to monthly downloads when the buoys undergo maintenance.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, neither Scottish Environment Protection Agency, nor its employees or agents can be held responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. All data should be regarded as provisional and may be subject to later revision.