Which of the following indicates high levels of organic pollution in water?

Which of the following indicates high levels of organic pollution in water?

• A. High TSS levels
• B. High BOD levels
• C. High pH levels
• D. High coliform levels

Answer: (B)

High BOD levels indicate a significant amount of organic pollution in water. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) measures the amount of dissolved oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter in water. Therefore, a high BOD value reflects a higher presence of organic pollutants, as it signifies a greater demand for oxygen needed for breakdown processes. This is critical because the oxygen availability in water is essential for aquatic life; excessive organic pollution can lead to oxygen depletion, resulting in harm to fish and other aquatic organisms. In contrast, while high total suspended solids (TSS) can indicate pollution, it does not specifically measure organic matter. Similarly, elevated pH levels typically relate to alkalinity and do not directly indicate organic pollution, nor do high coliform levels, which primarily assess fecal contamination rather than organic matter presence. Thus, high BOD is the most accurate indicator of organic pollution in water.

High BOD levels indicate a significant amount of organic pollution in water. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) measures the amount of dissolved oxygen that microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter in water. Therefore, a high BOD value reflects a higher presence of organic pollutants, as it signifies a greater demand for oxygen needed for breakdown processes.

This is critical because the oxygen availability in water is essential for aquatic life; excessive organic pollution can lead to oxygen depletion, resulting in harm to fish and other aquatic organisms. In contrast, while high total suspended solids (TSS) can indicate pollution, it does not specifically measure organic matter. Similarly, elevated pH levels typically relate to alkalinity and do not directly indicate organic pollution, nor do high coliform levels, which primarily assess fecal contamination rather than organic matter presence. Thus, high BOD is the most accurate indicator of organic pollution in water.