What does BOD stand for in wastewater treatment?

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is a critical measurement used in wastewater treatment to assess the amount of organic matter in water that microorganisms will consume while decomposing that matter under aerobic conditions. This parameter is important because it gives an indication of the level of pollution in the water, which in turn helps to determine the amount of oxygen that is needed in the treatment process to effectively break down the organic material.

Understanding BOD is essential for operators of sewage facilities, as high BOD levels can lead to oxygen depletion in receiving water bodies, harming aquatic life. The correct interpretation of BOD as "Biochemical oxygen demand" emphasizes the biochemical processes involved in this measurement, highlighting the oxygen requirements of the bacteria that break down organic substances.