Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is BEST used to assess:

• A Organic pollution load in water bodies ✓
• B Dissolved oxygen content of water
• C Heavy metal contamination of groundwater
• D Bacteriological quality of drinking water

Explanation

BOD is the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms over 5 days at 20°C (BOD₅) to oxidise organic matter in water; it reflects the organic pollution load. A high BOD indicates high organic contamination and reduces dissolved oxygen, harming aquatic life. Dissolved oxygen is measured directly with an oxygen probe. Heavy metals are assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Bacteriological quality uses coliform count or MPN index.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.