The sag in the dissolved oxygen curve results because of DO is a funct...
Dissolved oxygen Curve:


Hence, The sag in the dissolved oxygen curve results because DO is a function of both addition and depletion of oxygen from the stream.
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The sag in the dissolved oxygen curve results because of DO is a funct...
Understanding Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Dynamics
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels in water bodies fluctuate due to various factors. The "sag" in the DO curve often reflects the impacts of both oxygen addition and depletion processes.
Reasons for DO Sag
- Oxygen Depletion Rate: The sag primarily occurs due to the rate of biological oxygen demand (BOD). As organic materials decompose, microorganisms consume oxygen, leading to a decrease in DO levels. This biological activity is generally nonlinear, resulting in significant fluctuations in DO.
- Addition of Oxygen: The addition of oxygen, through processes like aeration or photosynthesis by aquatic plants, tends to be a more stable and consistent process. However, it may not keep pace with the rapid depletion due to high BOD, particularly in polluted environments.
Key Factors Affecting DO Levels
- Biological Activity: Increased organic matter leads to higher microbial activity, which accelerates oxygen consumption.
- Physical Factors: Water temperature, flow rate, and atmospheric pressure impact the solubility and diffusion of oxygen into the water.
Conclusion
In summary, the sag in the dissolved oxygen curve is largely a result of the "rate of addition of oxygen to the solution." When organic loading is significant, the biological demand for oxygen outstrips the supply, leading to a noticeable decrease in DO levels. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for effective water quality management and environmental protection in civil engineering projects.