Glossary | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | Biocide An additive that destroys biological contaminants.   Biodegradable Products in wastewater that can easily be broken down or digested by, for example, sewage treatment.   BOD Biochemical oxygen demand, the amount of oxygen consumed by bacteria and other microorganisms.   Buffer A solution that minimizes changes in hydrogen ion concentration that would otherwise occur as a result of a chemical reaction.   Buffering agent Drives an acidic or alkaline solution to neutral.   | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | State Information | Glossary | Conversion Checklist | Comments Home | Process Advisor | Alternatives | Links | Search All SAGE material, Copyright© 1992, Research Triangle Institute Last Update: 09 March 1999 sage@rti.org http://clean.rti.org/gloss.cfm?letter=B