What does BOD measure in water?

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) specifically measures the amount of organic matter present in water. This is critical for understanding the degree of pollution in a water body, as BOD indicates how much oxygen will be consumed by microorganisms while decomposing organic material. A higher BOD value suggests a greater concentration of organic pollutants, which can lead to oxygen depletion and negatively impact aquatic life.

This parameter is essential for assessing the effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes, as it helps determine the level of treatment required to reduce organic pollutants before the effluent is discharged into the environment. Monitoring BOD is a standard practice in wastewater treatment plant operations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and protect water quality.