What does the acronym "BOD" refer to in water quality testing?

The acronym "BOD" stands for Biochemical Oxygen Demand. This is a key parameter in water quality testing that measures the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter in water. It indicates the level of organic pollution and helps assess the potential impact on aquatic life. The higher the BOD value, the more oxygen is required by bacteria to break down the organic materials, which can lead to reduced oxygen levels in the water, harming fish and other organisms. Thus, understanding BOD is crucial for monitoring water quality and determining how well a body of water can support aquatic life.