Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning B

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

BOD (biochemical oxygen demand)

A measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen (DO) aerobic organisms consume to generate energy. This process also stabalizes decomposable organic matter under aerobic conditions. The BOD value is commonly expressed as BOD₅ and refers to the milligrams of oxygen consumed per liter of water during a 5-day incubation period at 68°F (20°C). In decomposition, organic matter serves as food for the organisms and energy results from its oxidation. BOD is a measurement of the organic strength of wastes in water. Also see COD.