Variables
Description
What is this formula?
This formula estimates the dissolved oxygen saturation concentration in freshwater at standard atmospheric pressure as a function of temperature.
When to use it
Use it when evaluating oxygen availability in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, aquaculture systems, water treatment facilities, and environmental monitoring programs.
Example
Data:
T = 20 °C
Formula:
DOsat = 14.652 − 0.41022T + 0.007991T² − 0.000077774T³
Substitution:
DOsat = 14.652 − 0.41022(20) + 0.007991(20²) − 0.000077774(20³)
Result:
DOsat = 9.02 mg/L
Applications
Water quality monitoring, aquatic ecosystem assessment, wastewater treatment, fisheries management, aquaculture, environmental impact studies, and limnology.
Note
This is an empirical correlation valid for freshwater at approximately one atmosphere of pressure. Dissolved oxygen saturation also depends on salinity, altitude, atmospheric pressure, and water composition. More sophisticated models may be required for seawater or high-altitude locations.