
There are two primary types of dissolved oxygen sensing technologies available: electrochemical sensors and optical sensors.Įlectrochemical sensors detect ions in solution based upon electrical current or changes in electrical current. High plant density also leads to high densities of animals and bacteria further contributing to oxygen usage and low DO levels.ĭissolved oxygen meters generally consist of a probe with sensor and the electronics unit that deciphers and displays the signal sent from the sensor. Though plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis, they also consume large amounts of oxygen when it’s cloudy or dark and photosynthesisĬannot occur. Run-off from agricultural fields contains high levels of phosphates and nitrates which can result in algalīlooms and the proliferation of aquatic plants. Over-fertilization is also a common cause for low dissolved oxygen levels. Aquatic animals and bacteria can consume great amounts of DO causing levels to drop if populations are too high for the conditions (water temperature and rate of re-oxygenation). Overpopulation of aquatic organisms can also contribute to lowĭO. Warm water, for instance, is not capable of holding much DO. Low dissolved oxygen levels can be due to a few factors. There are drawbacks to high DO levels, however, as they can increase corrosion due to oxidation. Water supplies as oxygenated water tastes better with more clarity and less odor. High levels of DO also have implications for municipal Aquatic life is stressed if DO levels drop below 5 mg/L and large fish kills can occur is the levels drop much further. Requires oxygen for survival, high levels of DO contribute to healthy aquatic populations which aids natural stream purification processes including the decomposition of organic

The amount of dissolved oxygen that water is capable of holding varies from about 8 to 14 mg/L depending upon the temperature of the water. Oxygen dissolves easily into water without chemically reacting with it, meaning it will stay as oxygen, imparting a number of biochemical properties. The water by a number of ways such as a byproduct of photosynthesis from aquatic plants, through waves and tumbling water mixing air into the water, and by way of diffusion from Dissolved oxygen (DO) is an important indicator of water quality. Dissolved oxygen meters are designed to measure the amount gaseous oxygen dissolved in water.
