Lab tests for DOC

Lab tests measure dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in water to see how much natural carbon-based material is floating around—like from plants, soil, or pollution.

First, the water sample is filtered to remove particles, leaving only dissolved substances. Then, the sample is placed in a special machine that burns the carbon in the water at high heat or uses chemicals and UV light to break it down. This process turns the carbon into carbon dioxide (CO₂).

The machine measures how much CO₂ is released. That amount tells scientists how much dissolved organic carbon was in the water.

These tests help monitor water quality, pollution, and how healthy an ecosystem is.