Biochemical Oxygen Demand

What is it? This is the amount of dissolved oxygen that has to be present in water in order for microorganisms to decompose the organic matter in the water. It is also used as a measure of the degree of pollution in water.

Why is it important? It is an important part of water quality testing because it helps assess the effect wastewater will have on environment its running off into.

What does it mean? The higher the BOD value, the more organic matter or food is available for the bacteria that need it.

Water Rangers Protocol: We do not currently have a test for this in our kit.