ABSTRACT
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is an empirical test that measures the amount of oxygen required for the microbial oxidation of organic compounds in aqueous samples. Such a test measures the amount of oxygen utilized during a speci c incubation period (generally, 5 days) for the biochemical oxidation of organic materials and oxidizable inorganic ions, such as Fe2+ and sul de. e incubation is performed in the dark at 20°C ± 1°C. e results of the BOD analyses are used to calculate waste loadings and to design wastewater treatment plants.
