What is the relationship between temperature and dissolved oxygen levels in water?

The correct answer indicates that warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, which is a well-established principle in aquatic chemistry. As the temperature of water increases, the kinetic energy of the water molecules also increases, leading to reduced solubility of gases, including oxygen. This phenomenon occurs because the increased movement of water molecules allows oxygen molecules to escape from the water more easily. Therefore, dissolved oxygen levels tend to decrease in warmer waters, which can have significant implications for aquatic life, especially organisms that depend on specific levels of oxygen for survival.

In colder waters, the reduced kinetic energy allows oxygen to remain dissolved, hence colder bodies of water can support higher levels of dissolved oxygen. This relationship is vital for understanding aquatic ecosystems, particularly in the context of environmental changes like global warming, where increased water temperatures could adversely affect species that rely on adequate oxygen levels.