NAME: Clayson Iauma ID: S11016863

Experiment 4
CHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (COD), DUE TO DISSOLVED
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

Abstract
Water samples from four different site were collected and each student is required to work on a
particular site. The Tamavua water sample were pipetted into three different flasks and later the
addition of KMnO₄ and heated, addition of KI, H₂SO₄ and titrated, the COD was determined. And
the Rewa dairy bridge river contained more COD than the other water sample sites.

Introduction
The measure of the water’s capacity to consume oxygen during organic matter decomposition. And
that assessing the effect discharge water on the environment by water quality parameters like COD
and BOD. Furthermore, higher COD means more organic matter will be decomposed and low
oxygen. On the other hand, decomposition in the absence of oxygen can occur.
The equation here: 𝐶𝑥𝐻2𝑦𝑂𝑧+[𝑥−(𝑦−𝑧2)]𝑂2→𝑦𝐻2𝑂+𝑧𝐶𝑂2, will be used as it can determine the
required concentration of oxygen to oxidize organic compounds to carbon dioxide and water.
This experiment will determine the COD in Nabukalou Greek, Savura river, Tamavua river, Fiji
Dairy river, distilled water and Oxalic acid. The samples were done in duplicates.

Method
Two 50mls of each Riverwater samples and distilled water (Blank) were pipetted separately into the
150ml conical flasks provided. Then, 50ml of 0.001M oxalic acid were added into all the flasks. The
conical flasks were then heated in water bath for 1 hour and cooled for 30 minutes on the bench.
After cooling, a 5ml of 10% Potassium iodide were added into all the flasks, followed by 5mls of 5M
of Sulphuric Acid. The flasks were then titrated with standardized sodium thiosulphate and when a
fade yellow colour appears, 3 drops of starch indicator were added and titrated again until the end
point it becomes colourless. The titre values were recorded and the COD for each sample calculated.
Results
The titration results for all Riverwater and distilled water samples and COD in each samples
Titration with Thiosulphates (Titre Values)

Sample Site Blank -average(ml) Sample Titre(ml) COD(mg/dm3)  

Nabukalou Greek  
A 5.25 5.05   0.8  
B 5.15 5    
Savura River  
A 5.25 4.63   -1.72  
B 5.15 5.3    
Tamavua River  
A 5.25 5.3   0.08  
B 5.15 5.25    
Fiji Dairy River  
A 5.25 4.6  
B 5.15 4.28 0.512  
Oxalic Acid  
A 4.95 4.15  
B 4.9 4.15  0  

COD calculations for Riverwater and distilled water samples..

(a−b)×N×8×1000] / Volume of sample(cm3)

Nabukalou Greek (COD) =[(5.05ml−5ml×0.01M×8×1000] / 50cm³ = 0.8 mg/dm3

Savura River (COD) =[(4.63 ml−5.3ml)×0.01M×8×1000] / 50cm³ = -1.72 mg/dm3

Tamavua River (COD) =[(5.3 ml−5.25cm3)×0.01M×8×1000] / 50cm³ = 0.08 mg/dm3

Fiji Dairy Bridge River (COD) =[(4.6ml−4.28ml)×0.01M×8×1000] / 50cm³ = 0.512 mg/dm3

Oxalic Acid (COD) =[(4.15ml−4.15ml)×0.01M×8×1000] / 50cm³ = 0 mg/dm3

Discussion
The observations noted were the colour changes. All the samples were colourless initially and after
the addition of oxalic acid and heating, the colour change ranges from purple, pale-red, pale-orange
and pale-yellow. And when left to cool down, precipitates settled at the bottom of the flasks. The
precipitates were dissolved after 5ml of 10% potassium iodate leaving clear pale-yellow, pale-orange
and colourless samples. However, the Blank remain a dark purple sample. During titration, the
samples colour changes to a pale-yellow colour and the starch indicator was added. Then titrated
again until the samples turn colourless.
As per results, the COD vary for each sample and Nabukalou Greek has the highest COD followed
by, Fiji Dairy River, Tamavua River, Oxalic acid and lastly the Savura River. A higher COD means
there is a great amount of oxidizable material in the sample and will reduce dissolved oxygen levels.
On the other hand, a low COD can result in anaerobic conditions
Conclusion
To conclude, the experiment was successfully conducted and the aim achieved. The COD can be
determined by the using KMnO₄ oxidation. And the Nabukalou Greek have the highest COD
compared to the other Riverwaters and Oxalic acid.

References
Merck 2019, Water for COD - Chemical Oxygen Demand. Available at
https://www.merckmillipore.com/INTL/en/water-purification/learning-centers/applications/
environment-water-analysis/cod/CLqb.qB.BIMAAAFAZwsQWTdi,nav?ReferrerURL=https%3A%2F
%2Fwww.google.com%2F&bd=1 Accessed [10 September 2019]

PEDDIAA 2017, Difference between BOD and COD. Available at https://pediaa.com/difference-between-

bod-and-cod/ Accessed [10 September 2019]