Biochemical Oxygen Demand

Use of HettCube cooled incubators to determine the biochemical oxygen demand

The decomposition of organic material by micro-organisms is an important biochemical oxidation process in nature. The quantity of oxygen required is dependent on the mass of the substance decomposed.

The five-day BOD (BOD5) as an indicator in the analysis of wastewater

The relationship between oxygen demand and the quantity of organic substance decomposed is used in the analysis of wastewater. The BOD5 of a wastewater sample is determined, and the higher its value, the more significant the contamination of water with substances that can be biodegraded. The five-day BOD is used in most cases. This is the quantity of oxygen that is consumed by micro-organisms upon aerobic decomposition of organic substances over 5 days under controlled conditions.

METHODS OF DETERMINATION

Different methods are used to establish the biochemical oxygen demand. They include self-monitoring methods and the methods given in international standards such as ISO 5815-1 and ISO 5815-2.

The BOD5 is determined in the field for various purposes, for example
Process monitoring and design within wastewater treatment plants Monitoring of the organic composition of wastewater discharges, e.g. from cider press houses Testing of surface waters by the environmental authorities Calculation of the fees to be paid by industrial companies and operators of wastewater treatment plants

ADVANTAGES OF HETTCUBE INCUBATORS

• Maximal validated usable space on a small footprint
• 4.3-inch touch display for intuitive operation
• Very homogeneous and stable temperature, as well as precise temperature control
• True “one-hand-operation” and flexible positioning of the shelves
• Minimal energy consumption of < 0.06 kW/h at 37 °C
• Low noise level of ≤ 44 dB(A)
• Optimized loading capacity through unique accessories and options