Water Resources--Office of Water Quality

National Field Manual

6.2 DISSOLVED OXYGEN
       Version 2.1 (6/2006) 685 KB pdf

Abstract

Accurate data for the concentration of dissolved oxygen in surface and ground waters are essential for documenting changes in environmental water resources that result from natural phenomena and human activities. Dissolved oxygen is necessary in aquatic systems for the survival and growth of many aquatic organisms and is used as an indicator of the health of surface-water bodies. This section of the National Field Manual (NFM) includes U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) guidance and protocols for four methods to determine dissolved-oxygen concentrations: the amperometric, luminescent-sensor, spectrophotometric, and iodometric (Winkler) methods.

Contents

DISSOLVED OXYGEN

Revised by Michael E. Lewis

6.2.1  Amperometric and luminescent-sensor methods

6.2.1.A  Equipment and supplies

6.2.1.B  Calibration

One-point and two-point calibrations

Correction for atmospheric pressure and salinity

Calibration procedures

1. Air-calibration chamber in air
2. Calibration with air-saturated water
3. Air-calibration chamber in water

6.2.1.C  Measurement

Surface water

Ground water

6.2.1.D  Troubleshooting (amperometric instruments)

6.2.2.A  Equipment and supplies

6.2.2.B  Calibration and interferences

6.2.2.C  Measurement

6.2.3.A  Equipment and supplies

6.2.3.B  Measurement

Selected references

Acknowledgments

Archival files: Section 6.2--Dissolved Oxygen (April 1998);
Section 6.2-- Dissolved Oxygen (May 2006, Version 2.0)