How much oxygen is consumed by 1 kg of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)?

The correct amount of oxygen consumed by 1 kg of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is approximately 1 kg. BOD measures the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter in water. Therefore, when 1 kg of BOD is present in a sample of wastewater, it represents the demand for oxygen required by those microorganisms to stabilize the organic material present in that sample.

This relationship is significant in wastewater treatment because it helps to determine the amount of oxygen that needs to be supplied in the treatment processes to ensure that the microorganisms can effectively break down the organic compounds. Knowing the oxygen demand associated with BOD helps in the design and operation of treatment facilities, ensuring that they can adequately handle the wastewater and maintain healthy microbial populations.

Understanding this relationship is essential for operators and engineers working with wastewater treatment processes, as it directly influences the efficiency and effectiveness of the treatment system.