Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅) is the most widely used parameter applied to the study of wastewater. It is a measure of the dissolved oxygen required by microorganisms, such as algae or bacteria, to oxidize or decompose the organic matter present in wastewater.

Organic substances present in wastewater are typically molecules based on carbon that include fecal matter as well as detergents, soaps, fats, greases and food particles. Inorganic substances are a group of chemicals that contain no carbon and include ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, all metals, and other elements such as calcium and phosphorous.

Oxygen is required for microorganism to break large molecules into smaller molecules and eventually into carbon dioxide and water. The amount of oxygen required for this process, BOD, is the most common measure of the strength of sewage.

The amount of dissolved oxygen in water is an important indicator of the life-supporting ability of a river or stream. Ecosystems are dependent upon adequate dissolved oxygen to remain healthy and productive and wastewater with high concentrations of BOD deplete such Oxygen from these natural resources.

TO REMOVE BOD, YOU NEED TO
    1. Provide oxygen to the beneficial microorganisms in the wastewater              treatment plant
    2. Keep a healthy population of such microorganisms in your                                wastewater treatment plant
    3. Treat wastewater before it hits the environment

Aerating with EDI’s FlexAir fine-bubble aeration enables the microorganisms to thrive and to oxidize and decompose the organic matter present in the wastewater throughout the entire depth of the basin.