Why is oxygen demand important in civil engineering? Solution I mportance of BOD in Environmental Engineering The BOD is used to determine the relative oxygen requirements of wastewaters, effluents, and polluted waters. The test measures the oxygen utilized during a specified incubation period for the biochemical degradation of organic material. It is also used to determine treatment plant efficiency. I mportance of COD in Environmental Engineering Chemical Oxygen Demand COD test is a measure of the relative oxygen-depletion effect of a waste contaminant. It has been widely adopted as a measure of pollution effect. To determine the amount of pollution in a water stream to try to control and limit the amount of chemicals that can pollute the lakes and rivers if left in a final effluent or discharge stream. Some Municipalities want to measure the amount of chemicals in the incoming stream in order to asses surcharges as a way of measuring how much additional treatment their plant will have to do in order to get the incoming water clean. It is used in Process Control in Influent/effluent for removal efficiencies. Chemical Oxygen Demand COD is extensively used in analysis of industrial waste. It is particularly valuable in surveys designed to determine the losses of sewage. Results are obtained within short time and control measures can be taken on the same day. It is very useful in finding out the toxic condition and presence of biologically resistant organic substance.Chemical oxygen demand is a vital test for assessing the quality of effluents and waste waters prior to discharge. The Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) test predicts the oxygen requirement of the effluent and is used for monitoring and control of discharges, and for assessing treatment plant performance. The impact of an effluent or waste water discharge on the receiving water is predicted by its oxygen demand. This is because the removal of oxygen from the natural water reduces its ability to sustain aquatic life. The COD test is therefore performed as routine in laboratories of water utilities and industrial companies. Chemical Oxygen Demand .