Why is it essential to monitor dissolved oxygen levels in water?

Monitoring dissolved oxygen levels in water is crucial primarily to ensure the sustenance of aquatic life. Dissolved oxygen (DO) is the oxygen available in water for organisms such as fish, invertebrates, and microorganisms. These organisms rely on dissolved oxygen for respiration, and adequate DO levels are essential for their survival and overall health.

Aquatic ecosystems depend on a balanced supply of dissolved oxygen, which helps support biological processes such as respiration and decomposition. When oxygen levels drop, often due to pollution, excess nutrients, or increased temperatures, aquatic life can suffer or even perish, leading to a decline in biodiversity and disruption of the ecosystem.

While aesthetic factors, water hardness, and chemical reactions are important in their own right, they do not directly influence the health and viability of aquatic habitats in the same essential manner as dissolved oxygen levels do.