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Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved oxygen describes the amount of oxygen
available to aquatic plants and animals.
Why is dissolved oxygen important?
Just like us, aquatic organisms
require a certain amount of oxygen to survive. The
amount of dissolved oxygen needed varies with each
species.
What influences DO levels?
DO levels are affected by water temperature, aquatic
plants, and water turbulance.
Temperature - Cold water can hold more
oxygen then warm water
Aquatic plants and algae - Photosynthesising
plants add DO to the water,while rotting vegetation
removes DO from the water
Water turbulence and wave action - The
movement of water increases water contact with the
atmosphere, resulting in an increase in DO levels.
What is considered healthy?
Healthy waterbodies generally have high concentrations
of dissolved oxygen (greater than 6 ppm) and are
capable of supporting a wide range of organisms.
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