How does temperature affect dissolved oxygen levels in water?

The relationship between temperature and dissolved oxygen levels in water is fundamental to understanding aquatic environments. As the temperature of water increases, the solubility of oxygen decreases, meaning that less oxygen can be dissolved in warmer water. This phenomenon occurs because the kinetic energy of water molecules increases at higher temperatures, allowing them to hold dissolved gases like oxygen less effectively.

When water is warmer, oxygen molecules tend to escape into the atmosphere rather than remain dissolved in the water. This can lead to reduced oxygen levels available for aquatic life, particularly in situations where high temperatures coincide with high biological activity, resulting in oxygen consumption exceeding its replenishment.

Understanding this relationship is critical for managing aquatic ecosystems, particularly when assessing the health of water bodies and predicting the impacts of temperature changes due to natural cycles or human activities.