DISSOLVED OXYGEN Meaning and
Definition
-
Dissolved oxygen refers to the concentration of oxygen molecules that are dissolved in water or any other liquid medium. It is a critical measurement in aquatic environments as it directly influences the health and survival of aquatic organisms.
Oxygen dissolves in water through atmospheric exchange, photosynthesis, or aeration. The dissolved oxygen concentration is expressed in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L) and is typically measured using an oxygen probe or sensor.
The availability of dissolved oxygen is vital for many aquatic organisms, including fish, invertebrates, and plants. It serves as the primary source of oxygen for respiration, essential for the conversion of nutrients into energy. Oxygen levels can naturally fluctuate due to various factors, such as temperature, pressure, salinity, and biological activities that consume or generate oxygen.
Insufficient levels of dissolved oxygen can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. Low oxygen concentrations, known as hypoxia, can result in decreased metabolic activity, reduced reproductive success, impaired growth, and even death. Aquatic organisms may exhibit signs of stress, including gasping at the water surface or exhibiting unusual behaviors. Conversely, excessively high levels of dissolved oxygen, known as hyperoxia, can also be harmful and lead to toxic effects on organisms.
Monitoring and maintaining adequate levels of dissolved oxygen is vital for the overall health and balance of aquatic ecosystems, ensuring that organisms have the oxygen they need for survival and supporting complex food webs.
Common Misspellings for DISSOLVED OXYGEN
- sissolved oxygen
- xissolved oxygen
- cissolved oxygen
- fissolved oxygen
- rissolved oxygen
- eissolved oxygen
- dussolved oxygen
- djssolved oxygen
- dkssolved oxygen
- dossolved oxygen
- d9ssolved oxygen
- d8ssolved oxygen
- diasolved oxygen
- dizsolved oxygen
- dixsolved oxygen
- didsolved oxygen
- diesolved oxygen
- diwsolved oxygen
- disaolved oxygen
- diszolved oxygen
Etymology of DISSOLVED OXYGEN
The etymology of the word "dissolved oxygen" can be broken down as follows:
1. Dissolved: The word "dissolved" comes from the Latin term "dissolvere", which means "to loosen up" or "to break apart". It is composed of the prefix "dis-" (denoting separation or negation) and the Latin word "solvere" (meaning "to loosen" or "to dissolve").
2. Oxygen: The term "oxygen" has its roots in the Greek words "oxy-" meaning "sharp" or "acid", and "-genēs" meaning "born" or "produced". It was coined by the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier in the late 18th century, combining these Greek elements to describe the element that supports combustion and is necessary for respiration.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
