In this lab you will investigate the behavior of dissolved oxygen in Penobscot Bay. Oxygen is not conservative in seawater and its concentration is often used as a measure of water quality in coastal waters. Low levels of dissolved oxygen may stress aquatic organisms. In this lab you will extend your knowledge of oxygen to the deep sea. Additional processes influence oxygen in deep waters and you will explore the relationship between oxygen and nutrient chemistry.
All gases dissolve somewhat in water.
Bubbles do not form in the water unless the temperature and pressure change. The amount of gas that dissolves is a function of the temperature, pressure and salinity of the water. Less gas dissolves as temperature or salinity increases. Gas is more soluble with increasing pressure. The quantity of gas that dissolves in water at a given temperature, pressure and salinity is the saturation value .