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October 2, 2023
The Insider Blog / 4 min read
BOD refers to the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to break down organic matter present in water. This process is crucial for maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. However, high BOD levels are indicative of pollution sources, as they reflect the degradation of organic substances by bacteria, leading to oxygen depletion in water bodies. BOD measurement quantifies this oxygen demand, providing crucial insight into the extent of pollution and its potential impact on aquatic life.
The traditional method of measuring BOD involves sample collection and an incubation period in a controlled environment for five days (BOD5). Using DO measurement over this period measures the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to break down the organic material in water and therefore correlates to the number of microorganisms in the water.
However online surrogate measurements of BOD are available and have been used extensively in pollution monitoring in surface water bodies across the globe with a high degree of success. Measuring BOD with online surrogate measurements of organics would overcome some of the issues with the traditional BOD5 test:
s::can have been pioneering the use of online BOD measurement using UV-Vis spectroscopy for 25 years and s::can online BOD measurement can be found across the globe in surface water monitoring, as well as right through wastewater treatment processes.
Absorbance at certain wavelengths within the UV region can be directly correlated to BOD. Selecting accurate wavelength identification is what s::can have specialised in over the last 25 years. Spectral sensors that measure across the UV and visible spectrum enable accurate measurement, even in flashy rivers with variable turbidity.
One of the principal objectives of the Clean Water Act is to protect both human and environmental health. Online BOD measurement aligns seamlessly with this objective by serving as a direct indicator of pollution levels in water bodies. The Act’s provisions to control and mitigate pollution sources can be greatly enhanced through incorporating online BOD data, enabling regulators and utilities to identify pollution trends and devise remediation strategies.
For wastewater compliance monitoring, such as final effluent monitoring, it is typical to produce a site-specific calibration for BOD ensuring accurate readings for each site—however, for river water monitoring this may not be necessary. Using online BOD measurements as a trending parameter may demonstrate when a pollution event has occurred and will be more likely to demonstrate the effect the pollution event has had on the water body, in comparison to the likes of pH and turbidity. With pollution events that cause elevated levels of BOD, the effect on dissolved oxygen levels may not be very large in the short term, but the pollution still exists. Online BOD measurement is arguably the best measurement to make when seeking to identify potential sources of pollution that may have long-term effects on water quality in national rivers.
BOD measurement is a crucial parameter in the pursuit of environmental preservation. By quantifying the oxygen demand required to break down organic matter, online BOD measurement offers insights into pollution levels and facilitates early detection of pollution incidents. By recognizing the indispensable role of online BOD measurement; pollution prevention activities are strengthened and all industry stakeholders benefit from this additional data.
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Badger Meter is an industry-leading innovator in flow measurement, water quality and control products, serving water utilities, municipalities and commercial and industrial customers worldwide.
