Which statement is true regarding BOD?

BOD, or Biochemical Oxygen Demand, is a key measure used to assess the organic matter present in wastewater, specifically the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter. It consists of two main components: Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand (CBOD) and Nitrogenous Oxygen Demand (NOD).

The Carbonaceous component measures the oxygen demand associated with the breakdown of carbohydrates and other organic materials, while the Nitrogenous component accounts for the oxygen demand produced from the decomposition of nitrogenous compounds, such as urea and proteins. Therefore, statement B accurately reflects that BOD includes both types of oxygen demand, making it a comprehensive measure of the organic load in wastewater.

Understanding BOD is crucial for wastewater treatment processes, as it affects the design and operation of treatment facilities aimed at reducing the environmental impact of effluent discharged into water bodies.