The case for reporting PO 2 (partial pressure of oxygen), in addition to DO (dissolved oxygen), in studies of aquatic systems

In this essay, we question the sole use of mg/L (ppm) and the term DO (dissolved oxygen) when referring to oxygen supply in water, and discuss reasons for also reporting the partial pressure of oxygen (PO ). Oxygen moves from water into organisms by diffusion only, and the rate and direction of diff...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiology Molecular & integrative physiology, 2019-09, Vol.235, p.66
Main Authors: Ultsch, Gordon R, Nordlie, Frank G
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:In this essay, we question the sole use of mg/L (ppm) and the term DO (dissolved oxygen) when referring to oxygen supply in water, and discuss reasons for also reporting the partial pressure of oxygen (PO ). Oxygen moves from water into organisms by diffusion only, and the rate and direction of diffusion is solely dependent upon partial pressure gradients, not concentration gradients. However, the amount of oxygen moved into an organism is both a function of DO and PO . Therefore, to have physiological and ecological relevance, the presence of oxygen in water, when reported as DO, should also include PO .
ISSN:1531-4332