Assessment of Ecoregional Dissolved Oxygen Regimes

The Regional Dissolved Oxygen (DO) task of EWRAP is a research-based assessment of summer DO regimes in Missouri. This study focuses on stream segments in the Osage Plains but also includes transition streams in the Ozark Highlands and Central Plains. Conclusions obtained from this study will provide technical and science-based data that will help the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) refine its water quality standards.
The monitoring is being done on biocriteria reference streams.(link to reference stream section in MO WQ Standards) These streams were chosen because they have the least amount of external impacts, have a high degree of biological integrity and support a diverse aquatic community.
Continuous dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, stage, flow, and light penetration are monitored 24/7 (for a minimum of six weeks) between July and September from 2006-2008. Since DO levels below 3.0 mg/L are considered lethal for several warm-water aquatic life, it is important to determine what the actual DO levels are during the summer months when oxygen is at its lowest.

2006 ASSESSMENT
- sampling analysis plan (1,515 KB .PDF)
- 2006 Study final report

2007 ASSESSMENT
- sampling analysis plan (3,957 KB .PDF)
- 2007 Study final report

2008 ASSESSMENT
- sampling analysis plan (1,529 KB .PDF)

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