FKA UiTM PAHANG (LAB MANUAL ) ECW351

TITLE TEST 11 : Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) Level 1.

1.1 Introduction
Level 1 refer to previous lab.

In this lab , students will carry out test to determine the amount of COD from (i) River water (ii)
Biologically purified sewage effluent and (iii) Crude (raw) sewage.

1.2 Objective
To determine the COD amount in the given water and wastewater samples.

1.3 Learning Outcomes

At the end of the laboratory activities, students would be able to:
i. Learn how to conduct COD test.
ii. Analyse data and present in technical format.

1.4 Theory.
The chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a vital test for assessing the quality of effluents and
waste waters prior to discharge to receiving waters. It predicts the oxygen requirement of the
effluent and therefore is used for monitoring and control of discharges and for assessing
treatment plant performance efficiency.

The impact of an effluent (waste water discharge) on the receiving water is predicted by its
oxygen demand. This is because the removal of oxygen from the natural water reduces its
ability to sustain aquatic life. The test is therefore performed as routine in laboratories of water
utilities and industrial companies.

PREAMBLE Working Practice

The COD Digestion Reagent tubes contain sulphuric acid and must be handled with care. It
should not be opened whilst hot as pressure build-up may cause acid spillage. Do not open
tubes during or after sample digestion.

Sample Preparation
Effluents and waste water samples may contain undissolved or particulate material. Such
samples may be homogenized in a blender prior to the teat in order to improve accuracy and
reproducibility.

Reagent Blank.
In this test a reagent blank is used instead of the usual water blank. The reagent blank is
prepared by adding deionized or distilled water to the reagent tube (vial) and then digesting the
tube in the same manner as for the water sample.

It is not necessary to prepare a reagent blank each time the test is carried out. The reagent
blank may be prepared weekly and used repeatedly with all samples from the same batch of
the reagent tubes. The reagent blank should be stored in the dark between uses.

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FKA UiTM PAHANG (LAB MANUAL ) ECW351

2. Problem Statement
PROBLEM You are given a task to assess the COD pollution of water and wastewater samples .Hence
STATEMENT you need to measure the amount its amount in order to assess the treatment plant
performance.

3.1 Apparatus (DR 890 / DR 500 SPECTROMETER)

3.2 Procedures

The group is required to search for the relevant procedure to carry out
the test based on the available apparatus in the laboratory. The
document must be made ready for verification by the instructor during
WAYS &
the laboratory activity.
MEANS

3.3 Task & Data Acquisition

Collect all the data from the above procedures and results for a comparison .

4. Result, Analysis and Conclusion

(i) Discuss and comment the above results with respect to the strength of organic matter related
to the sample sources. The report should highlight your result, analysis and lastly the
conclusion. There is no need to include the objective, equipment and procedure in your report.
RESULTS
River water = (mg /l)
Purified sewage effluent = ( mg/l)
Raw sewage = (mg/l)