Question

A river with an inflow of domestic sewage rich in organic waste may result in :

• A. Drying of the river very soon due to algal bloom
• B. Increased population of aquatic food web organisms
• C. An increased production of fish due to biodegradable nutrients
• D. Death of fish due to lack of oxygen

Answer 1

The correct option is D Death of fish due to lack of oxygen

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is one of the most common measures of pollutant organic material in water. BOD indicates the amount of putrescible organic matter present in water. Therefore, a low BOD is an indicator of good quality water, while a high BOD indicates polluted water. Dissolved oxygen (DO) is consumed by bacteria when large amounts of organic matter from sewage or other discharges are present in the water. DO is the actual amount of oxygen available in a dissolved form in the water. When the DO drops below a certain level, the life forms in that water are unable to continue at a normal rate. The decrease in the oxygen supply in the water kills the fish and other aquatic life.