What happens to dissolved oxygen levels when water temperature rises?

What happens to dissolved oxygen levels when water temperature rises?

• A. They increase significantly
• B. They remain constant
• C. They decrease, affecting aquatic organisms
• D. They fluctuate wildly

Answer: (C)

When water temperature rises, the solubility of oxygen in water decreases, leading to lower levels of dissolved oxygen. This phenomenon occurs because warmer water molecules are more energetic and move faster, making it more difficult for oxygen molecules to remain dissolved. Aquatic organisms, such as fish and invertebrates, depend on dissolved oxygen for respiration. A decrease in dissolved oxygen can lead to stress or even mortality in these organisms, particularly in those that require higher oxygen levels to thrive. Such changes can disrupt ecosystems and affect biodiversity, as species vary in their tolerance to oxygen depletion.

When water temperature rises, the solubility of oxygen in water decreases, leading to lower levels of dissolved oxygen. This phenomenon occurs because warmer water molecules are more energetic and move faster, making it more difficult for oxygen molecules to remain dissolved. Aquatic organisms, such as fish and invertebrates, depend on dissolved oxygen for respiration. A decrease in dissolved oxygen can lead to stress or even mortality in these organisms, particularly in those that require higher oxygen levels to thrive. Such changes can disrupt ecosystems and affect biodiversity, as species vary in their tolerance to oxygen depletion.