Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), is a parameter to monitor the quality of water. It measures______________.
BOD Measures Organic Contamination
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a key measure used in environmental science and engineering to assess water quality.
Understanding BOD
BOD quantifies the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic biological organisms (like bacteria) to break down and consume organic matter present in a body of water under controlled laboratory conditions. Essentially, it indicates how much 'food' (organic pollution) is available for microbes.
Analysis of Options
- Option A: Organic contamination of water - This is correct. A higher BOD value signifies a greater amount of biodegradable organic matter, indicating higher contamination and lower water quality, as microorganisms consume more dissolved oxygen.
- Option B: Inorganic contamination of water - This is incorrect. BOD specifically measures the impact of organic pollutants, not inorganic ones like heavy metals or salts.
- Option C: pH of water - This is incorrect. pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of water and is a separate water quality parameter.
- Option D: Salinity of water - This is incorrect. Salinity refers to the salt concentration in water, which is unrelated to BOD measurements.
Conclusion
Therefore, BOD directly measures the extent of organic contamination in water.
Important Questions from Environmental pollution
- Which of the following is a water pollutant?
Which of the following vehicles are exempted from BSVI and BSIV compliance?
The functions of the Central Pollution Control Board is laid down under _______ of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
- In which year was the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act enacted?
The presence of any solid, liquid or gaseous substance that tends to pollute the environment is called__________.
