Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

Which organisms are mainly responsible for the removal of BOD in pond systems?

1. Algae

2. Fungi

3. Bacteria

4. Protozoa

The correct answer is: Bacteria

Bacteria are primarily responsible for the removal of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in pond systems. They play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter. When organic pollutants enter a pond, bacteria break them down through various metabolic processes, consuming oxygen in the process. This is fundamental because the reduction of BOD indicates a decrease in the amount of biodegradable material present in the water, which is critical for maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. In pond systems, while algae contribute to the oxygenation of water through photosynthesis, they primarily impact dissolved oxygen levels rather than directly removing BOD. Fungi and protozoa do participate in the decomposition process but play a more supplementary role compared to bacteria when it comes to BOD reduction. Bacteria are the dominant microorganisms in this specific aspect of water treatment, making them the key players in effectively managing BOD levels in pond systems.