What does BOD stand for in wastewater treatment?

BOD stands for Biochemical Oxygen Demand. This term is critical in wastewater treatment because it measures the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter in water at a specified temperature over a certain period. Essentially, it serves as a key indicator of the organic pollution level in water, reflecting how much biodegradable material is present.

Understanding BOD is important for wastewater treatment operators because it helps assess the efficiency of treatment processes, manage treatment systems, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. A higher BOD implies a greater amount of organic material, which can lead to oxygen depletion in receiving water bodies if not treated adequately. Monitoring BOD levels assists in optimizing the operational conditions of treatment plants to better protect aquatic ecosystems.