Home Back

Oxygen Deficit Calculator

Oxygen Deficit Formula:

\[ D = SDO - ADO \]

kg/m³
kg/m³

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is Oxygen Deficit?

Definition: Oxygen Deficit is the difference between the saturated dissolved oxygen concentration and the actual dissolved oxygen concentration in water.

Purpose: It helps in assessing water quality and the degree of oxygen depletion in aquatic environments.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ D = SDO - ADO \]

Where:

Explanation: The difference between the maximum possible oxygen concentration and the actual oxygen concentration in water gives the oxygen deficit.

3. Importance of Oxygen Deficit Calculation

Details: Measuring oxygen deficit is crucial for understanding water quality, aquatic ecosystem health, and the impact of pollution.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the saturated dissolved oxygen and actual dissolved oxygen values in kg/m³. Both values must be ≥ 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What causes oxygen deficit in water?
A: Oxygen deficit occurs due to biological oxygen demand from decomposition of organic matter, respiration of aquatic organisms, and other oxygen-consuming processes.

Q2: What is a normal range for oxygen deficit?
A: In healthy water bodies, the deficit is typically small (0.001-0.003 kg/m³). Larger deficits indicate pollution or eutrophication.

Q3: How do I measure SDO and ADO?
A: SDO can be determined from temperature/salinity tables, while ADO is measured using dissolved oxygen meters or chemical tests.

Q4: Can oxygen deficit be negative?
A: No, since SDO represents the maximum possible oxygen concentration, the deficit cannot be negative in natural conditions.

Q5: What factors affect oxygen deficit?
A: Temperature, salinity, atmospheric pressure, biological activity, and pollution levels all influence oxygen deficit.

Oxygen Deficit Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025