Oxygen Sag Curve

Definition

The oxygen sag curve represents the decrease in dissolved oxygen levels downstream from a pollution source. It shows how organic pollutants consume oxygen as they decompose, leading to hypoxia or anoxia if not properly managed.

Related terms

Hypoxic:

Hypoxic refers to an environment with low levels of dissolved oxygen, which can be represented by the declining portion of the oxygen sag curve.

Dissolved Oxygen: Dissolved oxygen refers to the amount of gaseous oxygen (O2) present in water. It is essential for aquatic organisms' survival and indicates water quality.

Pollution Source: A pollution source refers to any point or non-point location where pollutants are released into the environment. Examples include industrial discharges, sewage treatment plants, and agricultural runoff.