What affects dissolved oxygen solubility?

Three main factors: temperature (higher = less DO), salinity (higher = less DO), and atmospheric pressure / altitude (higher altitude = less DO).

What is DO saturation?

DO saturation is the maximum amount of oxygen that can dissolve in water at a given temperature, salinity, and pressure. At 25°C freshwater at sea level, saturation is about 8.26 mg/L.

Can water be supersaturated?

Yes. Pure oxygen injection or rapid photosynthesis can push DO above 100% saturation. Supersaturation (>200%) can cause gas bubble disease in fish.

Why is this important for aquaculture at altitude?

Facilities at high altitude (e.g., Andes, Rockies) have lower atmospheric pressure, which reduces DO saturation. They may need supplemental aeration even with good water quality practices.

DO Solubility Calculator

Calculate the maximum dissolved oxygen concentration at any temperature, salinity, and altitude. Based on the Benson & Krause 1984 equation.

AquacultureWater QualityClient-Side

Tool info

Tool information

About, related tools, and citation

About This Tool

Method: Benson & Krause (1984) equation for dissolved oxygen solubility with salinity correction and linear altitude correction (1 − altitude $\times$ 0.0001184).
Last Validated: 2026-04-08
Privacy: 100% client-side

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How to Cite

ConductScience DO Solubility Calculator (v1.0). ConductScience, Inc. 2026. Available at: https://conductscience.com/tools/do-solubility-calculator

Benson BB, Krause D. The concentration and isotopic fractionation of oxygen dissolved in freshwater and seawater in equilibrium with the atmosphere. Limnol Oceanogr. 1984;29(3):620–632.

Why This Tool?

Implements the Benson & Krause 1984 equation with salinity and altitude corrections — the gold standard for DO solubility.

Tool details, related tools, and citation

About This Tool

Method: Benson & Krause (1984) equation for dissolved oxygen solubility with salinity correction and linear altitude correction (1 − altitude $\times$ 0.0001184).
Last Validated: 2026-04-08
Privacy: 100% client-side

Related Tools

How to Cite

ConductScience DO Solubility Calculator (v1.0). ConductScience, Inc. 2026. Available at: https://conductscience.com/tools/do-solubility-calculator

Benson BB, Krause D. The concentration and isotopic fractionation of oxygen dissolved in freshwater and seawater in equilibrium with the atmosphere. Limnol Oceanogr. 1984;29(3):620–632.

Why This Tool?

Implements the Benson & Krause 1984 equation with salinity and altitude corrections — the gold standard for DO solubility.

Try it out

Load example DO solubility calculator data to see the full workflow

Environmental Parameters

Temperature: 25\u00B0C

0\u00B0C10\u00B0C20\u00B0C30\u00B0C40\u00B0C

Salinity: 0 ppt

0 (fresh)1535 (ocean)40

Altitude: 0 m

0 (sea level)1500 m3000 m5000 m

Results

DO Saturation

8.26 mg/L

maximum dissolved oxygen

Temperature

25°C

water temp

Salinity

0 ppt

parts per thousand

Altitude

0 m

above sea level

Determining theoretical maximum DO for your conditions
Calculating percent saturation from a DO reading
Planning aeration for high-altitude facilities
Comparing freshwater vs. saltwater oxygen capacity

Don't use for

As a substitute for actual DO measurements — this is the theoretical maximum, not the actual level

Dissolved Oxygen Solubility

Dissolved oxygen (DO) solubility is the theoretical maximum concentration of oxygen that water can hold under given conditions. It is determined by the Benson & Krause (1984) equation, which accounts for temperature and salinity. Altitude affects DO through the reduction in atmospheric pressure. Understanding DO solubility is essential for interpreting DO measurements, sizing aeration equipment, and ensuring adequate oxygen supply for aquatic organisms.

DO Solubility Calculator

Environmental Parameters

Results

Dissolved Oxygen Solubility

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps

Water Quality Instruments

Aquatic Research Equipment

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