What does biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) measure?

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is a critical parameter in water quality assessment as it measures the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter under aerobic conditions over a specific period, typically five days at a controlled temperature. This parameter is important because it provides an estimate of the level of organic pollution in water; higher BOD values indicate a greater amount of organic matter present, which can lead to oxygen depletion in the water body.

Monitoring BOD helps in evaluating the efficiency of wastewater treatment processes, assessing the potential impact of effluents on receiving waters, and determining the overall health of aquatic ecosystems. When organic matter is present in high concentrations, microorganisms rapidly consume available oxygen, potentially harming aquatic life that depends on dissolved oxygen for survival. Understanding BOD values is vital for managing water quality and ensuring safe and sustainable use of surface water resources.