The determination of the oxygen concentration was formerly carried out by the WINKLER titration method. Today, electrochemical measurement is a recognized method in numerous standard procedures.
In its simplest form a dissolved oxygen sensor contains a working electrode and a counter-electrode. Both electrodes are located in an electrolyte system which is separated from the sample by a gas-permeable membrane. The working electrode reduces the oxygen molecules to hydroxide ions. In this electrochemical reaction a current flows from the counter-electrode to the working electrode. The more oxygen present in the sample, the larger the current signal. The D.O. meter calculates the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the sample from this signal.
