Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for assessing the quality of water.

Microbial activity: BOD measures the amount of dissolved oxygen used by microorganisms (like bacteria) as they decompose organic matter in water.

Pollution indicator: Higher BOD indicates a greater presence of organic matter, often suggesting pollution from sources like sewage, animal waste, or decaying plants.

Aquatic life impact: Excessive organic matter decomposition can deplete oxygen levels in water, harming aquatic life that depends on dissolved oxygen for survival.

Therefore, BOD serves as a valuable tool for monitoring water quality and identifying potential pollution issues.