With Increased Levels of Oxidizable Materials, the Biochemical Oxygen Demand

Question

With increased levels of oxidizable materials, the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) will
A) increase.
B) decrease.
C) remain the same.
D) increase or decrease depending on the nature of the materials involved.

Accepted Answer

The BOD measures the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms during the decomposition of organic matter in water. When there are increased levels of oxidizable materials, there will be more organic matter available to microorganisms, which will result in more oxygen consumption and an increase in BOD. Hence, Choice A is correct.