Due to the differing types and amounts of organisms, contrasting amounts of Oxygen may be needed. The ideas of pollution and Oxygen content both have an influence on this aspect. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (B.O.D.) is a measure of the quantity of oxygen used by microorganisms in the oxidation of organic matter. Many animals need high oxygen amounts to survive. If the B.O.D. is high, that means that microorganisms are using most of the Oxygen. This situation makes it difficult for larger aquatic animals to survive. However, if the B.O.D. is low, there is an abundance of Oxygen which leads to good water quality. The B.O.D. is an important water quality factor that is directly related to the overall health of the water body.

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