What does BOD stand for in the context of water quality testing?

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a critical parameter in water quality testing, reflecting the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter in water. It serves as an important indicator of water pollution levels. A higher BOD indicates a greater concentration of organic material, suggesting that the water might be lower in quality and potentially harmful to aquatic life due to depleted oxygen levels.

In water quality management, understanding BOD helps assess the effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes and the potential environmental impact of discharges into water bodies. By monitoring BOD, analysts can gain insights into the organic pollution load and the overall health of aquatic ecosystems. This makes Biological Oxygen Demand a standard measure in environmental science and engineering relating to water resources.