What does the abbreviation BOD stand for?

The abbreviation BOD stands for biochemical oxygen demand. This term is used to indicate the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume when decomposing organic matter in water. It is an important parameter in assessing the organic pollution level of wastewater and is critical for evaluating the efficiency of sewage treatment processes.

BOD is measured over a specified time period, typically five days, at a controlled temperature, and it reflects the degree of pollution in water from biodegradable organic materials. A higher BOD value signifies a greater amount of organic matter present in the water, which can lead to oxygen depletion and negatively affect aquatic life if not treated properly.

Understanding BOD is essential for sewage treatment professionals, as they use this information to design, manage, and optimize treatment processes to ensure that water released into the environment meets regulatory standards and protects ecosystem health.