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General Environmental Science Science Fair Project

Water Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen

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Water Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
Why can cold-water fish survive in environments that would stress tropical species? One key factor is dissolved oxygen (the amount of oxygen mixed into the water). Temperature plays a major role in how much oxygen water can hold. You fill three jars with water and measure the dissolved oxygen level with a water quality kit. One jar stays at room temperature. One is heated to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with an aquarium heater. One goes in the refrigerator at 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. After five days, you measure all three again. Compare the readings to see how temperature changes the oxygen available to aquatic life.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that the temperature of the water will affect the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water.

Method & Materials

You will prepare three jars of water, measure the dissolved oxygen levels, set one jar at room temperature, one in a heated aquarium, and one in a refrigerator. After five days, measure the dissolved oxygen levels again.
You will need three large jars, an aquarium heater, a water quality kit, a refrigerator, paper, a pen or pencil, and a thermometer.

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Results

After five days, the results showed that the jar at room temperature had the highest dissolved oxygen level, the jar heated to 80 degrees Fahrenheit had the lowest dissolved oxygen level, and the jar cooled to 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit had a moderate dissolved oxygen level.

Why do this project?

This science project is interesting because it shows how temperature can affect the amount of oxygen in water, which is important for aquatic life.

Also Consider

Variations of this experiment could include testing different temperatures or different types of water.

Full project details

Additional information and source material for this project are available below.

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