Hapnikunäitajad

Hapnikunäitajad refer to a set of parameters used to assess the level of dissolved oxygen in water, which is crucial for aquatic life. These indicators help determine the health of a water body and its suitability for various organisms.

The most common hapnikunäitajad include dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Dissolved oxygen measures the actual amount of oxygen gas present in the water. Low DO levels can indicate pollution or eutrophication, where excessive nutrients lead to algal blooms that consume oxygen when they decompose.

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) measures the amount of oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms to decompose organic matter in a water sample over a specific period, typically five days (BOD5). A high BOD suggests a significant amount of organic pollution, as microorganisms will consume more oxygen to break it down.

Chemical oxygen demand (COD) measures the total amount of oxygen required to oxidize all organic and inorganic compounds present in a water sample, regardless of whether they are biodegradable. COD is generally higher than BOD and provides a more comprehensive measure of oxygen-consuming substances.

These hapnikunäitajad are vital for environmental monitoring, water quality management, and the effective treatment of wastewater. By understanding and tracking these values, scientists and environmentalists can identify sources of pollution, assess the impact on ecosystems, and implement strategies to protect and restore water resources.