How many pounds of oxygen are required to consume 1 pound of BOD?

When considering the oxygen demand needed for Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) degradation, the commonly accepted stoichiometric relationship indicates that it typically takes about 1.5 pounds of oxygen to fully consume 1 pound of BOD. This is based on the understanding that microorganisms metabolize organic material in the presence of oxygen, and this biochemical process has specific oxygen requirements.

The conversion factor of 1.5 accounts for the stoichiometric ratios of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus involved in the biological processes, as well as the oxygen required for the respiration of the microorganisms that consume the BOD. This value reflects not only the oxygen needed to oxidize organic matter but also the oxygen required for the maintenance and growth of the microorganisms involved in the treatment process.

Thus, the requirement of 1.5 pounds of oxygen to consume 1 pound of BOD is an established benchmark in wastewater treatment and is essential for engineers and operators to calculate the oxygen supply needed in treatment processes effectively. It ensures that the biological treatment systems are properly aerated and functioning efficiently to reduce pollutants in wastewater.