O2vraag

O2vraag is a Dutch term that translates to "oxygen demand" or "oxygen question." It is commonly used in the context of environmental science and water quality management. Specifically, it refers to the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic biological organisms in a body of water to break down organic matter. This process is crucial for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

There are two main types of oxygen demand: biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). BOD measures the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms as they decompose organic material in water over a specific period, typically five days (BOD5). COD, on the other hand, measures the amount of oxygen required to oxidize all organic and inorganic compounds in water, including those that are not easily biodegradable, using a strong chemical oxidant.

High oxygen demand in water bodies can lead to a depletion of dissolved oxygen, a condition known as hypoxia. This can be detrimental to aquatic life, as many organisms require a certain level of dissolved oxygen to survive. Sources of increased oxygen demand include pollution from sewage, agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and animal waste, and industrial discharges. Monitoring and managing oxygen demand are therefore important aspects of water pollution control and environmental protection efforts in the Netherlands and globally.