The oxygen sag curve represents the decrease in dissolved oxygen levels downstream from a pollution source. It shows how organic pollutants consume oxygen as they decompose, leading to hypoxia or anoxia if not properly managed.
Imagine dropping a colored dye into a flowing river. As the dye spreads downstream, it gradually fades away until it completely disappears. Similarly, as pollutants enter a water body and decompose, they consume dissolved oxygen along their path, creating an "oxygen sag" that affects aquatic life.
Hypoxic: Hypoxic refers to an environment with low levels of dissolved oxygen, which can be represented by the declining portion of the oxygen sag curve.
Dissolved Oxygen: Dissolved oxygen refers to the amount of gaseous oxygen (O2) present in water. It is essential for aquatic organisms' survival and indicates water quality.
Pollution Source: A pollution source refers to any point or non-point location where pollutants are released into the environment. Examples include industrial discharges, sewage treatment plants, and agricultural runoff.
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