Question

Is biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) used to measure the amount of organic pollutants in water?

Answer 1

The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is the amount of oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms in the water to break down the organic matter that is present in the water.

BOD measurement:

1. The amount of dissolved oxygen in the sample is measured.
2. The second sample of the same location is kept in dark for 5 days at a temperature of 20°C.
3. After 5 days the dissolved oxygen is measured.
4. The difference gives the BOD.
5. It is measured in mg/L.

More the BOD more is the pollution in the water.