Dissolved oxygen can be measured as the concentration of oxygen present in the water (mg/L or ppm oxygen), or as the percent of oxygen actually in the water as compared to the maximum amount the water can hold. This is referred to as percent (%) saturation. The level at which water is saturated is dependent upon several factors, but two of the most important are temperature and salinity. As the temperature of the water decreases, its ability to hold oxygen increases. Likewise, as salinity levels decrease the saturation level increases. Dissolved oxygen levels are vital in many areas, but they are of particular concern to aquaculturists and environmental analysts who must constantly monitor levels in the water. The dissolved oxygen test is also important to operators of waste water facilities, both at the operation site and in the lab. Dissolved oxygen levels are monitored at the wiers, and before the water leaves the plant after being dechlorinated. In the laboratory the dissolved oxygen test is used to analyze the BOD of the water. |