What scientific measurement is used to gauge the strength of wastewater?

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a critical measurement used to assess the strength of wastewater. It indicates the amount of oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter in the water. This is important because higher levels of BOD signify a greater presence of organic pollutants in the wastewater, which can lead to decreased oxygen levels in receiving waters, adversely affecting aquatic life. By measuring BOD, wastewater treatment facilities can better understand the pollution load and make informed decisions regarding treatment processes to ensure effective reductions in organic material before discharge into the environment.

While pH is essential for representing the acidity or alkalinity of wastewater, it does not directly measure organic strength. Temperature can affect biological processes within wastewater treatment but is not a direct indicator of the strength of the wastewater itself. Similarly, suspended solids measure the concentration of particulate matter in water, which is important for treatment processes but does not provide a complete picture of the organic load and its potential impact on the environment, unlike BOD.