Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a measure of the amount of oxygen dissolved in water. It is an important water quality parameter that affects the health and survival of aquatic life, and it is also an indicator of the overall health of a water body. In rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water, dissolved oxygen is necessary for the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms, and it is also important for the proper functioning of ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling and decomposition.
DISSOLVED OXYGEN METER
A dissolved oxygen meter is a device used to measure the amount of dissolved oxygen in water. The most common type of dissolved oxygen meter is the electrochemical sensor, which uses an electrode to measure the oxygen content in water. These meters can measure dissolved oxygen in both freshwater and saltwater environments and can typically provide a measurement of dissolved oxygen in the range of 0-20 mg/L or parts per million (ppm).
Dissolved oxygen levels in rivers and oceans are influenced by a number of factors, including temperature, salinity, and the presence of other dissolved gases. In general, dissolved oxygen levels tend to be higher in colder water and in areas where there is a lot of plant growth, such as wetlands and estuaries. High levels of dissolved oxygen are generally considered to be beneficial for aquatic life, as they support a diverse and healthy ecosystem.
However, low dissolved oxygen levels can be a sign of a problem. Low dissolved oxygen levels in a river or ocean can be caused by pollution, such as nutrient runoff from agricultural land or discharge of untreated sewage, which can lead to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants. This can cause a process called eutrophication, which depletes the oxygen in the water and can lead to fish kills and other negative effects on the ecosystem.
In Drinking water facilities, dissolved oxygen can play a role in the treatment of water. High levels of dissolved oxygen can cause corrosion of metal pipes, or can support the growth of microorganisms, while low levels of dissolved oxygen can lead to stagnant conditions that allow the growth of anaerobic bacteria, leading to the production of harmful compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and methane. Therefore, monitoring of dissolved oxygen levels is crucial to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water.
It's worth mentioning that dissolved oxygen levels in the water supply can be affected by various factors, including water temperature, altitude, and water flow rate, so it's important to use appropriate measuring equipment to get accurate reading for dissolved oxygen levels.