How BOD is measured?

In BOD test, a water sample is collected and incubated in a controlled environment for a specific duration. The dissolved oxygen concentration is measured at the beginning and end of the incubation period. The difference between the initial and final dissolved oxygen levels gives the amount of oxygen used and this is the value of BOD. 

Biochemical Oxygen Demand – Affecting Factors and Significance

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) stands for biochemical oxygen demand, and it refers to the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to break down organic matter in water. In the field of environmental science, one principal factor that helps us in measuring water quality is Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). BOD helps us to understand the level of pollution and its effects on aquatic life. This article covers Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), the significance of BOD, Measurement of BOD, Factors Affecting BOD, Effects of High BOD, and Methods to Reduce BOD in detail.

Table of Content

  • What is Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)?
  • Importance of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
  • How BOD is measured?
  • Factors Affecting Biochemical Oxygen Demand
  • Effects of High Biochemical Oxygen Demand
  • Methods to Reduce Biochemical Oxygen Demand
  • Significance of BOD
  • Sources of BOD

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What is Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)?

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) can be defined as the amount of dissolved oxygen required by microorganisms to digest organic waste present in one liter of water. The more organic waste dissolved per liter, the more the BOD. It is an important parameter used to measure the amount of pollution in water bodies. BOD is used as an indicator of water quality and thus it is important to study BOD in environmental science....

Importance of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

The following are the importance of biochemical oxygen demand:...

How BOD is measured?

In BOD test, a water sample is collected and incubated in a controlled environment for a specific duration. The dissolved oxygen concentration is measured at the beginning and end of the incubation period. The difference between the initial and final dissolved oxygen levels gives the amount of oxygen used and this is the value of BOD....

Factors Affecting Biochemical Oxygen Demand

BOD is affected by the following factors:...

Effects of High Biochemical Oxygen Demand

Increased BOD levels in water bodies adversely affect aquatic life. The excessive consumption of dissolved oxygen by microorganisms during organic matter decomposition results in oxygen depletion. The decreased oxygen levels harm aquatic life. Also, high BOD levels help in the growth of algal blooms, which further deteriorate water quality. Overall, it has adverse effects on biodiversity....

Methods to Reduce Biochemical Oxygen Demand

Efforts to reduce BOD levels are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of water bodies. Some methods are as follows:...

Significance of BOD

There are many importance of BOD which are listed below:-...

Sources of BOD

Water pollution is the major cause of increase BOD. Pharmaceutical industries and other chemical industries led to BOD. Food processing, paper mills and dye industries led to BOD. Soil erosion, plant and animal waste led to BOD. Phosphate in water increases BOD....

Conclusion

BOD is an important indicator of water pollution. Measuring and controlling BOD levels are essential for maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems. By implementing effective wastewater treatment practices, adopting sustainable agricultural methods, and regulating industrial effluent discharge, we can reduce the harmful effects of high BOD levels on the environment....

FAQs on Biochemical Oxygen Demand

Q1: What is Biochemical Oxygen Demand and its importance?...