What does Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) measure?

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is an important metric in environmental science used to assess the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic bacteria to break down organic matter in water. When organic material enters a body of water, aerobic organisms consume oxygen as they decompose this material. Therefore, BOD indicates the level of organic pollution in the water; a higher BOD value suggests greater pollution and oxygen depletion, which can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems.

Understanding BOD is critical for managing water quality because it helps determine how much oxygen is available for fish and other aquatic life. By measuring BOD, researchers and environmental managers can evaluate the health of a water body and make informed decisions about pollution control and ecosystem preservation efforts.