Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Definition, Importance, Factors & Measurement Methods
Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Importance, Measurement Methods & Winkler Method Explained. What is Dissolved Oxygen (DO)? Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is the amount of oxygen dissolved in water. It is one of the most important indicators of water quality because aquatic organisms such as fish, insects, and other aquatic life depend on dissolved oxygen for survival. If the DO level becomes too low, water bodies become unsuitable for aquatic organisms and overall ecosystem health declines. DO is widely used to assess the quality of natural water and wastewater. Why is Dissolved Oxygen Important? Dissolved Oxygen is essential because it: Supports the survival of aquatic organisms. Indicates the health of rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams. Helps monitor pollution levels in water. Is a key parameter in environmental monitoring and wastewater treatment. Reflects the biological condition of a water body. Factors Affecting Dissolved Oxygen Several natural and environmental factors influence t...