Biochemical Oxygen Demand

Use of HettCube cooled incubators to determine the biochemical oxygen demand.

Microorganisms decompose organic material, an essential biochemical oxidation process in nature. The quantity of oxygen required depends on the mass of the decomposed substance.

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 wastewater analysis. The BOD5 of a wastewater sample is determined, and the higher its value, the more significant water contamination with substances that can be biodegraded. The five-day BOD is used in most cases. This is the quantity of oxygen microorganisms consume upon aerobic decomposition of organic substances over five days under controlled conditions.

METHODS OF DETERMINATION

Different methods are used to establish the biochemical oxygen demand. These include self-monitoring methods and those 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