Biochemical oxygen demand Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is the measurement of oxygen consumed by living microorganisms (primarily bacteria) while utilizing the organic matter present in a water or waste sample under conditions as close as possible to those that occur in nature. Microbial conversion of nitrate to nitrite will also contribute to BOD . Non-biodegradable (or refractory) organic compounds will not contribute to BOD . In order to make BOD test quantitative, the samples must be protected from the air to prevent reoxygenation as the dissolved oxygen concentration diminishes. Also, high-concentration wastes must be diluted to ensure that dissolved oxygen will be present throughout the test duration. It is important that the environmental conditions during the test be suitable for living organisms. Therefore nutrients are added to the dilution water. Nutrient blanks must be included in the test to ensure that the nutrient-enriched dilution water does not contribute to BOD .