What test tracks organic waste by measuring oxygen demand in water?

The Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) test is specifically designed to measure the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter in a water sample over a specific period, typically five days. This measurement is crucial for assessing the degree of pollution in water, especially from organic waste.

BOD is a vital indicator because it reflects the amount of biodegradable material in the water. High BOD levels suggest a high presence of organic waste, indicating that oxygen is being consumed rapidly by bacteria as they break down this material. This can further indicate potential problems, such as hypoxia or anoxic conditions in aquatic environments, which can harm fish and other aquatic life.

In contrast, the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) test measures all chemicals in the water that can consume oxygen during oxidation, not just the biodegradable fraction. This means that COD can include organic pollutants that are not readily decomposed by microorganisms, making it a broader measure but less specific for assessing organic waste breakdown.

The Ammonia and Nitrite Tests measure specific pollutants (ammonia and nitrite ions, respectively) but do not adequately reflect the overall impact of organic waste presence in terms of oxygen consumption and its effects on aquatic environments, thus making them less relevant for tracking organic waste