Biochemical Oxygen Demand

 BOD is define as “measure of dissolved oxygen required

to decomposed organic matter in the water biologically.”
 Organic matter can be oxidized (combined with
oxygen) by burning, by being digested in the bodies of
animals and human beings or by biochemical action of
bacteria. Bacteria in water live and multiply when
organic matter is available for food & oxygen is available
for oxidation.
 Normally it is measured for 5 days at 20°C
Why Measure B.O.D.
 To determine the oxygen requirement of polluted water.
 To evaluate the BOD removal efficiency of an industrial
plant’s wastewater treatment system
 To meet regulatory standard
Types of BOD Measurement
 Azide Modification
- Based on initial & final DO reading
- Use titration procedure

 D.O. Membrane Electrode

- Based on initial & final DO reading
- Use an electronic DO Meter

 Respirometric
- Based on oxygen consumption
- Use an electronic BOD Analyzer
Types of Respirometers
 Volumetric respirometers- measures oxygen uptake in incremental
changes in gas volume while in constant pressure at the time of reading.

 Electrolytic Respirometer- monitor the amount of oxygen

produced by electrolysis of water to maintain a constant oxygen
pressure w/in the reaction vessel.

 Direct Input Respirometers- deliver oxygen to the sample from an

oxygen supply through metering demand as demands as detected by
minute pressure difference.

 Manometric Respirometers- relate oxygen uptake to the change in

pressure caused by oxygen consumption while maintaining a constant
volume.
Principle of BOD Measurement Using
Manometric

Δ p = BOD mg/L
Lovibond BOD Complete Set Up:

InductiveStirrer
BOD Analyzer

Glass wares and reagents

Incubator
BOD Procedure
 Estimate the measurement range and select the volume for
the sample.
BOD Procedure
 Carry out necessary pre-treatment of the sample (e.g.,
setting the pH value; filtering; etc.)
 Measure the volume of the sample precisely, using the
overflow measurement flask and transfer it to the BOD
bottle, with the aid of a funnel. Then, add nitrification
inhibitor.
 Insert the magnetic stirring rod.
 Place 3-4 drops of KOH solution into the seal gasket. Then
insert the gasket in the neck of the bottle.
BOD Procedure
 Screw the BOD sensors to the sample bottles.
 Place the bottle in the bottle rack.
 Start the measurement.
 Incubate the sample in accordance with the instructions (e.g.
BOD5 for 5 days at 20 °C).