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.

ToolsConductScience tool

AquacultureFree in-browser calculator

DO Solubility Calculator.

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

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Validated2026-04-08

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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

When to use

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

Do not use for

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

Actual DO is usually below saturation

Fish respiration and organic decomposition continuously consume oxygen. Actual DO in a stocked tank is typically 60–90% of saturation.

Salinity has a significant effect

Full-strength seawater (35 ppt) holds about 20% less oxygen than freshwater at the same temperature.

Method

Benson & Krause (1984) equation for dissolved oxygen solubility with salinity correction and linear altitude correction (1 − altitude $\times$ 0.0001184).

Validated

Last validated 2026-04-08. Calculations are designed for planning and documentation support; verify procurement decisions against manufacturer specifications or institutional SOPs.

How to cite

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.

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.

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