In wastewater treatment, what does BOD stand for?

BOD stands for Biochemical Oxygen Demand, which is a crucial parameter in wastewater treatment and environmental science. It measures the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter in water over a specified period, typically five days at 20 degrees Celsius. This parameter is vital for assessing the organic pollution level in wastewater, providing insight into how much biodegradable material is present. High BOD values indicate a high level of organic pollution, which can lead to oxygen depletion in receiving waters, affecting aquatic life. Therefore, monitoring BOD is essential for ensuring the efficiency of treatment processes and compliance with environmental regulations.