Volumetric oxygen exchange rate (O₂(t)), based on measurement by a flow-on/flow-off controlling method, is significantly correlated with TOE (total oxygen exchange) obtained from laboratory-incubated sediment cores. The difference between TOE and DOE (diffusive oxygen exchange in diffusive boundary layers) suggested that there is a fauna-mediated O₂ consumption in the two factors. Comparison of DOE with DOEs (diffusive oxygen exchange in sediments) from one-dimensional oxygen concentration profiles at a steady stationary condition, O₂(t) as well as TOE, is an integrated measurement for the diffusion, advection and fauna-mediated O₂ consumption. Furthermore, a comparative study of TOE values among sediments from Lake Taihu and Lake Nansihu revealed that the difference from the sites was due to the variation of organic matter concentration in the surface sediments, additionally effects of benthic faunas.