Question

What is the significance of measuring Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in sewage water?

• A. Determines the nutrient content
• B. Estimates the amount of biodegradable organic matter
• C. Estimates the microbial diversity
• D. Indicates the pH of the water

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Estimates the amount of biodegradable organic matter

Read Explanation:

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD):

• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a critical parameter used to assess the amount of organic pollutants in water, particularly in sewage and wastewater.
• BOD is a measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by microorganisms to break down organic substances present in water over a specific period, usually five days at 20 degrees Celsius.
• It is expressed in milligrams of oxygen per liter (mg/L) of water.
• The test involves incubating a water sample in the dark to encourage microbial decomposition of organic substances.
• Microorganisms use oxygen during this process, and the rate of oxygen consumption is measured.

Significance:

• BOD serves as an indicator of the organic pollution level in water.
• BOD is crucial in designing and operating wastewater treatment plants.
• It helps determine the effectiveness of treatment processes in reducing the organic load before discharging treated water back into the environment.
• BOD is used to assess the potential impact of discharged sewage or industrial effluents on receiving water bodies.
• High BOD values suggest a higher concentration of biodegradable organic matter, such as sewage or other contaminants.
• High BOD levels downstream can deplete dissolved oxygen, harming aquatic life.
• Low BOD values indicate that the water contains fewer biodegradable organic pollutants, suggesting good water quality.

Open explanation in App