Dissolved Organic Content

DOC

Dissolved Oxygen Content refers to the concentration of oxygen molecules dissolved in water. It is a critical parameter in water quality assessment as it directly affects the survival and health of aquatic organisms. Dissolved oxygen (DO) is essential for the respiration of fish, invertebrates, and other aquatic organisms.

Low levels of dissolved oxygen can lead to hypoxia, which can result in fish kills and harm other organisms. High levels of dissolved oxygen can also be problematic, as they can indicate excessive algal growth or other imbalances in the ecosystem. DOC is the organic matter that of size between 0.7um and 0.22 um.  The water sample  is normally filtered prior to measurement to remove  particulate (undissolved content) leaving only the smaller particles. Organic carbon compounds are the result of decomposition of dead organic matter which includes both plants and animals.

Dissolved Oxygen Content can be autochthonous DOC meaning it originates from within the water and DOC from land originating from the land is called allochthonous DOC .  When water originates from land areas with a high proportion of organics, these can run-off into freshwater bodies  as DOC

Organic matter contributes acids to water, resulting in the yellow-brown coloration as well as weathering the soils. 

High amounts of organic matter are common in low oxygen areas, such as bogs and wetlands. This is a crucial component in water monitoring