Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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.
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.