Editing Biochemical oxygen demand (section)

=== Toxicity ===
Some wastes contain chemicals capable of suppressing microbiological growth or activity. Potential sources include industrial wastes, [[antibiotic]]s in pharmaceutical or [[medical waste]]s, sanitizers in food processing or commercial cleaning facilities, [[Water chlorination|chlorination]] disinfection used following conventional sewage treatment, and odor-control formulations used in sanitary waste holding tanks in passenger vehicles or portable toilets. Suppression of the microbial community oxidizing the waste will lower the test result.<ref name="Hammer" />{{rp|85}}