The biological oxygen demand, ie, BOD in wastewater, is a measure of the quantity of

bio-organic substances in wastewater. These can be in the form of fat, oils,

carbohydrates and proteins. BOD also helps determine the quantum of organic
chemicals contained in wastewater that are synthetic and biodegradable.

Another useful measure of biological oxygen demand is chemical oxygen demand, or

COD. COD can help gauge the quantum of both biodegradable and nonbiodegradable organics.

Drinking water usually has B.O.D of less than 1mg/L. but when BOD reaches 5 mg/L
the water is doubtful in purity.

The determination of BOD is used in studies to measure the self-purification capacity

of stream and serves regulatory authorities as a measurement of checking on the
quality of effluents discharged to stream water.

The determination of BOD of wastes is useful in the design of treatment facility.

It is the only parameter to give an idea of the biodegradability of any sample and selfpurification capacity of rivers and stream.
The B.O.D test is among the most important method in sanitary analysis to determine
the polluting power, or strength of sewage or polluted waste
A high standard of living involves a high demand for water and, at the same time,
causes much greater pollution of this essential element for life. The resultant
interference in the natural cycle can often overwhelm natural processes of recovery,
so that, in addition to products arising from the decomposition of natural substances
(e.g., proteins, greases, carbohydrates) there is a build-up of anthropogenous additives
such as pesticides, effluents and garbage, which contaminate drinking water supplies
with their toxic or hormonal effects. They may also consume such large quantities of
oxygen that water resources become fouled. To prevent the threat of possible danger
to health, or the very existence of certain species, it is essential to determine the
quality of a water source before water is drawn off for consumption

MONTREAL CONVENSION
AFRICA
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

SUDAN
CHAD
KENYA
LIBYA
EGYPT

6)
LATIN
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.

GHANA
AMERICA
CHILIE
PERU
BRAZIL
URUGUAY
ARGENTINA
PARAGUAY