Monitoring Water for Dissolved Oxygen With KETOS SHIELD

Measure dissolved oxygen in your water with KETOS. KETOS SHIELD gives organizations 30+ water testing parameters to choose from. Get results in real-time for timely, informed decision-making. 

As an award-winning smart water management solution, KETOS SHIELD provides accurate monitoring for dissolved oxygen and 30+ other water testing parameters (including inorganics, heavy metals, and other environmental factors). Monitoring happens via an internet-aware modular system that uploads your data to a centralized operational database for easy 24/7 access.

Why Monitor Water for Dissolved Oxygen with KETOS

Dissolved oxygen is the quantity of oxygen present in water. It’s an essential measure of water quality and an indicator of a body of water’s ability to support aquatic life. If the oxygen levels are too low, organisms will not be able to survive, which may lead to mass die-off events for fish and other wildlife. Many factors affect dissolved oxygen levels in water, including temperature, salinity, water flow, and human-induced runoff.

However, specific levels of dissolved oxygen are vital in various industrial settings. For example, water treatment plants need to measure levels and ensure they stay within a certain threshold (or risk delivered water having a bad taste or odor). Water operators must also balance dissolved oxygen levels in wastewater and sewage treatment scenarios. Too low, and the bacteria cannot break down solids. Too high, and they risk a waste of energy. Alternatively, dissolved oxygen levels must be maintained at a very low level for boilers to work to prevent corrosion, causing inefficiencies.

Dissolved oxygen is also critical regarding water supplies meant for human consumption. While high levels of dissolved oxygen are significant for drinking water (improving taste), the higher levels also cause rapid pipe corrosion. Water companies typically use the lowest levels of dissolved oxygen, working to balance safety and taste with efficiency.

Therefore, measuring dissolved oxygen and balancing levels are integral to efficient, effective operations, no matter your industry or type of water infrastructure.

What are the Issues with Dissolved Oxygen in Water?

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a vital component of aquatic ecosystems, crucial for the survival of aquatic organisms and the overall health of water bodies. However, deviations from optimal DO levels can lead to various challenges and issues. Here are key concerns associated with dissolved oxygen in water:

• Aquatic Life: Adequate levels of dissolved oxygen are essential for the survival of fish, invertebrates, and other aquatic organisms. Insufficient DO concentrations can lead to hypoxia, causing stress, suffocation, and mortality among aquatic species. This depletion of oxygen can disrupt food webs, alter species composition, and degrade ecosystem health.
• Eutrophication: Excessive nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can stimulate algal blooms in water bodies. As algae proliferate, they consume dissolved oxygen during decomposition, leading to oxygen depletion in the water column. This process, known as eutrophication, can result in hypoxic or anoxic conditions, negatively impacting aquatic life and water quality.
• Temperature Effects: Dissolved oxygen levels in water are inversely related to water temperature, with warmer water holding less oxygen. Rising water temperatures due to climate change or thermal pollution can decrease DO concentrations, exacerbating oxygen stress for aquatic organisms and increasing the risk of hypoxia.
• Pollution: Pollution from various sources, including industrial discharges, urban runoff, and agricultural activities, can degrade water quality and reduce dissolved oxygen levels. Contaminants such as organic matter, heavy metals, and pesticides can consume oxygen during decomposition or interfere with oxygen transfer processes, impairing aquatic ecosystems.
• Regulatory Compliance: Governments and regulatory agencies establish DO criteria and standards to protect water quality and aquatic life. Compliance with these regulations poses challenges for industries, municipalities, and agricultural producers, necessitating measures to mitigate oxygen depletion and maintain DO levels within acceptable limits.
• Habitat Degradation: Declining dissolved oxygen levels can lead to habitat degradation in aquatic ecosystems. Oxygen-depleted zones, commonly known as dead zones, can form in lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, rendering these habitats unsuitable for many aquatic organisms. Loss of habitat quality can have cascading effects on ecosystem structure and function, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Causes of Dissolved Oxygen in Water

Dissolved oxygen in water is a critical factor for aquatic life, and its levels are influenced by both natural and human-related causes. Natural sources of dissolved oxygen include atmospheric diffusion, where oxygen from the air dissolves into water bodies, and photosynthesis, during which aquatic plants and algae produce oxygen as a byproduct. Additionally, turbulence from wind and waves can increase oxygen levels by mixing air with water.

Acceptable Levels of Dissolved Oxygen in Water by Industry

Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in water are crucial for various industries to ensure optimal performance and compliance with environmental standards. In aquaculture, maintaining DO levels between 5-7 mg/L is essential for fish health and growth. Wastewater treatment facilities require DO levels of 2-4 mg/L to support microbial activity and effective waste decomposition. Industrial cooling systems typically need DO levels between 4-6 mg/L to prevent corrosion and biofouling. The beverage industry requires DO levels of less than 0.1 mg/L to preserve product quality and shelf life, while in the pharmaceutical industry, maintaining DO levels below 0.05 mg/L is critical to prevent oxidation of sensitive compounds.

How to Easily Monitor Water for Dissolved Oxygen

Instead of measuring dissolved oxygen with a meter that only measures a handful of conditions; the KETOS SHIELD is capable of mentoring dozens of water related issues — in real-time. KETOS helps monitor for dissolved oxygen and 30+ other water testing parameters.

KETOS facilitates comprehensive water monitoring by tracking dissolved oxygen alongside over 30 other essential water testing parameters. From pH levels to heavy metal concentrations, KETOS offers a holistic approach to water quality management, empowering organizations to ensure safety and compliance effectively.

Whether you’re assessing fluoride levels in the chemical industry, measuring dissolved oxygen in drinking water, or detecting free chlorine in industrial cooling water, KETOS’ automated water monitoring system offers efficient solutions. Save time and mitigate compliance risks with our advanced technology.