Simple Arrhenius-type function accurately predicts dissolved oxygen saturation concentrations in aquatic systems

A sufficient supply of dissolved oxygen (DO) is vital for life in higher organisms. In aquatic systems, oxygen regulates respiratory metabolism, mediates biogeochemical cycles, and is an integral component of water quality. In this work, a simple predictive tool for dissolved oxygen saturation concentrations in aquatic systems as a function of chloride concentration and temperature using a novel Arrhenius-type asymptotic exponential function has been formulated. The proposed method predicts the amount of dissolved oxygen saturation concentrations for temperatures up to 50 C and chloride concentrations up to 25 g/l. Estimations are found to be in excellent agreement with the reliable data in the literature with average absolute deviation being 3%. The tool developed in this study can be of immense practical value for the engineers and scientists to have a quick check on the oxygen saturation concentrations in aquatic systems at various conditions without opting for any experimental measurements. In particular, environmental science experts would find the proposed approach to be user-friendly with transparent calculations involving no complex expressions. (C) 2010 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.