Dissolved Oxygen Percent Saturation

The Percent Saturation of Dissolved Oxygen depends on the temperature of the water and elevation of the water testing site.  Determine the altitude (elevation) or atmospheric pressure and use the table below to determine the correction factor.  Multiply the Dissolved Oxygen level (in ppm) by the correction factor.  

*From the Field Manual for Water Quality Monitoring

Use the chart below to convert the corrected Dissolved Oxygen level in ppm to a Percent Saturation of Dissolved Oxygen  (ppm is equivalent to mg/L.)  To do this, mark the corrected Dissolved Oxygen value on the lower line of the chart.  Then, mark the water temperature on the upper line on the chart.  Draw a straight line from oxygen in mg/L mark to the water temperature mark.  Where the drawn straight line passes through the % saturation line is the converted Percent Saturation value.  Percent Saturation values of 80 - 120% are considered to be excellent, and values less than 60% or over 125% are considered to be poor.