dissolved+oxygen+test



Oxygen is essential to life in the stream. Fish suffer and will die when exposed to oxygen levels below 6.0 mg/ L.

The Mill Creek minimum average is 7.25 mg/L

Less oxygen can be dissolved in the stream when the water temperatures are too warm. In the summer months the oxygen levels are so low that fish can not survive in the Mill Creek.


 * How does oxygen enter the stream? **

oxygen can enter the water by the quick current that mixes with the air. If the current is moving faster over rocks, there is probably more oxygen in the stream. Plants (including algae and other aquatic plants) will produce oxygen during photosynthesis.


 * How are temperature and oxygen levels connected in the stream? **

The higher the temperature of the water, the less oxygen can be dissolved in the water. When temperatures reach above 79 F, fish can no longer survive in the Mill Creek during the summer.


 * Would you have higher or lower levels of oxygen in the winter months? **

** This would be interesting to test. Water will be colder during the winter months and be able to hold more oxygen and carbon dioxide gases. However, less plant life in the stream would generate less oxygen into the stream. **