biochemical oxygen demand

noun

1. the oxygen required by aerobic organisms, as those in sewage, for metabolism. BOD

biochemical oxygen demand

noun

1. BOD. a measure of the organic pollution of water: the amount of oxygen, in mg per litre of water, absorbed by a sample kept at 20°C for five days

biochemical oxygen demand

1. The amount of oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms to decompose the organic matter in a sample of water, such as one polluted by sewage. It is used as a measure of the degree of water pollution.

Word History and Origins

Origin of biochemical oxygen demand¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Riverkeeper on March 7 sued Weyerhaeuser on grounds it had violated the Clean Water Act, which limits output of Biochemical Oxygen Demand, oil and grease, and regulates pH levels in hopes of preserving fish habitats.

From Seattle Times

An analysis of wastewater from the plant, included in the report, found that it exceeded local government standards for chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand and levels of suspended solids – common tests for water quality.

From The Guardian