ISO 5814:2012 specifies an electrochemical method for the determination of dissolved oxygen in water by means of an electrochemical cell which is isolated from the sample by a gas permeable membrane.

Measurement can be made either as a concentration of oxygen in milligrams per litre, percentage saturation (% dissolved oxygen) or both. The method measures oxygen in water corresponding to 1 % to 100 % saturation. However, most instruments permit measurement of values higher than 100 %, i.e. supersaturation.

The method measures oxygen in water with a saturation higher than 100 %, when special arrangements to prevent the outgassing of oxygen during the handling and measurement of the sample are made.

The method is suitable for measurements made in the field and for continuous monitoring of dissolved oxygen, as well as measurements made in the laboratory. It is the preferred method for highly coloured and turbid waters, and also for analysis of waters not suitable for the Winkler titration method because of iron- and iodine-fixing substances, which can interfere in the iodometric method specified in ISO 5813.

The method is suitable for drinking waters, natural waters, waste waters, and saline waters. If used for saline waters, such as sea or estuarine waters, a correction for salinity is essential.