OBJECTIVES

1. To measure the strength of the industrial wastewater using oxygen utilized as a

stability factor.
2. To determine the dissolved oxygen (DO) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) of a
wastewater sample.

SUMMARY

The experiment’s main purpose is to determine the dissolved oxygen (DO) and
biological oxygen demand (BOD) of a wastewater sample, as well as to measure the strength
of the industrial wastewater using oxygen utilized as a stability factor. The variables involved
in this experiment are the volume of sample (mg/L), the temperature (oC), and the dilution of
DO (mg/L). The experiment first began by preparing the sample of wastewater in a 500 mL
beaker. The pH value of the sample was then tested and ensured to have a pH value of 6.5-
7.5. Then, test Dissolved Oxygen (DO) value and record the temperature, time, and pH. Next,
5 BOD bottles, with respective sample volumes of 0.5 mL, 1.0 mL, 10 mL 25 mL and a
blank, were prepared by using a micropipette and a measuring cylinder. To each, fill up the
bottles with dilution water until they overflow. Test DO values of each dilution. Then, add 2
shots/ spatulas (0.16 g per 300 mL) of Nitrification Inhibitor powder to each dilution and seal
it using a parafilm cover. After that, place all the bottles in the thermostat for cooling. As for
the results, it was noticed that the DO level drops with increasing volumes of samples (0.5
mL, 1.0 mL, 10 mL 25 mL, and a blank). Also it can be observed that, the DO level for BOD
is high on Day 1 from a range of 7.07 to 7.76, and drops drastically as it reaches Day 5 from a
range of 0.52 to 1.76. The probable reason of this event occurring is due to bacteria enclosed
in the BOD bottles has limited oxygen. With depleting oxygen content in the bottle, causes
the bacteria to die off due to absence of oxygen. Thus, the objective was achieved based on
the results obtained which were used to determine the dissolved oxygen level and biological
oxygen demand of a wastewater sample.

1
 INTRODUCTION

Oxygen saturation/ dissolved oxygen (DO) is a relative measure of the amount of

oxygen that is dissolved or carried in a given medium. The higher the DO level in a water
sample, the better quality it will have. On the other hand, Biochemical Oxygen Demand or
BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic biological organisms in a body of
water to break down organic material present in a given water sample at certain temperature
over a specific time period. This experiment is about the determination of Dissolved Oxygen
(DO) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels in a wastewater sample using
instruments related to the experiment, such as BOD bottles and a DO detector probe.
Procedure-wise, the waste water sample will first be prepared in a 500 mL beaker. The pH
value of the sample will then be tested and ensured to have a pH value of 6.5-7.5. Then,
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) value will be tested. Next, 5 BOD bottles, with respective sample
volumes of 0.5 mL, 1.0 mL, 10 mL 25 mL and a blank, are prepared by using a micropipette
and a measuring cylinder. To each, fill up the bottles with dilution water until they overflow.
Test DO values of each dilution. Then, 2 shots/ spatulas (0.16 g per 300 mL) of Nitrification
Inhibitor powder will be added to each dilution and seal it using a parafilm cover. After that,
all the bottles will be placed in a thermostat for cooling, and the results are recorded after 5
days.

2
 THEORY

Biochemical Oxygen Demand or BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by

aerobic biological organisms in a body of water to break down organic material present in a
given water sample at certain temperature over a specific time period. The BOD value is most
commonly expressed in milligrams of oxygen consumed per litre of sample during 5 days of
incubation at 20 ˚C and is often used as a robust surrogate of the degree of organic pollution
of water. BOD is similar in function to Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), in that both
measure the amount of organic compounds in water. However, COD is less specific, since it
measures everything that can be chemically oxidized, rather than just levels of biologically
active organic matter.

Oxygen consumed in the decomposition process robs other aquatic organisms of the
oxygen they need to live. Organisms that are more tolerant of lower dissolved oxygen levels
may replace a diversity of natural water systems contain bacteria, which need oxygen
(aerobic) to survive. Most of them feed on dead algae and other dead organisms and are part
of the decomposition cycle.

On the other hand, oxygen saturation/ dissolved oxygen (DO) is a relative measure of
the amount of oxygen that is dissolved or carried in a given medium. It can be measured with
a dissolved oxygen probe such as an oxygen sensor or an optode in liquid media, usually
water. Dissolved oxygen analysis measures the amount of gaseous oxygen (O2) dissolved in
an aqueous solution. Oxygen gets into water by diffusion from the surrounding air, by
aeration (rapid movement), and as a waste product of photosynthesis. Adequate dissolved
oxygen is important for good water quality and necessary to all forms of life.

Figure 1-BOD Testing Products

3
RESULTS

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

Sample COD

Blank 0 mg/ L

Experimental Sample 450 mg/ L

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Day / Criteria Day 1 Day 5

DO 1.88 1.88

Temperature 27.44 C 27.44 C

Time 10.45 am 04.15 pm

pH 6.60 6.60

Blank 7.00 7.00

DO after dilution 0.5 7.76 1.76

DO after dilution 1.0 7.76 1.25

DO after dilution 10 7.52 0.98

DO after dilution 25 7.07 0.52

4
 DISCUSSION

Experiment to measure the strength of the industrial wastewater using oxygen utilized
as a stability factor and to determine the dissolved oxygen (DO) and biological oxygen
demand (BOD) of a wastewater sample was conducted. The variables involved in this
experiment are the volume of sample (mg/L), the temperature (oC), and the dilution of DO
(mg/L).

The experiment first began by preparing the sample of wastewater in a 500 mL

beaker. T -he pH value of the sample was then tested and ensured to have a pH value of
6.5-7.5. Then, test Dissolved Oxygen (DO) value and record the temperature, time, and pH.
Next, 5 BOD bottles, with respective sample volumes of 0.5 mL, 1.0 mL, 10 mL 25 mL and a
blank, were prepared by using a micropipette and a measuring cylinder. To each, fill up the
bottles with dilution water until they overflow. Test DO values of each dilution. Then, add 2
shots/ spatulas (0.16 g per 300 mL) of Nitrification Inhibitor powder to each dilution and seal
it using a parafilm cover. After that, place all the bottles in the thermostat for cooling.

As for the results, it was noticed that the DO level drops with increasing volumes of
samples (0.5 mL, 1.0 mL, 10 mL 25 mL, and a blank). Also it can be observed that, the DO
level for BOD is high on Day 1 from a range of 7.07 to 7.76, and drops drastically as it
reaches Day 5 from a range of 0.52 to 1.76. The probable reason of this event occurring is
due to bacteria enclosed in the BOD bottles has limited oxygen. With depleting oxygen
content in the bottle, causes the bacteria to die off due to absence of oxygen. Hence, based on
the results, the objective of this experiment, which is to determine the DO and BOD level in
wastewater, have been successfully achieved.

Theoretically, Biochemical Oxygen Demand or BOD is the amount of dissolved

oxygen (DO) needed by aerobic biological organisms in a body of water to break down
organic material present in a given water sample at certain temperature over a specific time
period. If high amount of bacteria is present in the wastewater sample, hence higher demand
of oxygen, in other words, higher Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).

5
 There are several possibilities that might have contributed to the errors that occurred
during the experiment. Among those errors is physical errors (caused by experimenters). The
experimenters might not have waited for the readings to stabilized first and have recorded
down the wrong readings, which could lead to an abnormal trend of results. Not just that, the
experimenter may not have focused well during the experiment and may have recorded down
readings of the parameter in the field of another parameter. By doing so, the recordings will
be inaccurate and it will results in abnormality. Thus, the ideal expected results could not be
achieved. Other than that, the wires or other equipment involved may be faulty. When this
happens, the apparatus used might not perform efficiently and the readings or sample values
will not be displayed correctly and accurately by which could lead to irregular results thus
disrupting the whole process of the experiment. In relation to the actual experiment, required
wastewater sample volume for analysis might not be sufficient enough which can cause offset
in obtaining the expected results. Also, wastewater samples might not have been properly
sealed. Inefficient water sealing and inefficient wrapping of the BOD bottles may produce
many errors. It may cause the samples in the BOD bottles to dry up while they are placed in
an oven. Other than that, the wastewater sample may be exposed to the ambient air/oxygen.
Hence, this will prevent the experimenters from acquiring the expected results.

6
 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the method of determining the level of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) was explained in this experiment. Each of the
components/devices/tools used in the experiment has its own details by which have its own
function in ways of conducting the experiment and most definitely aid the process throughout
the experimentations. As for the results, it was noticed that the DO level drops with
increasing volumes of samples (0.5 mL, 1.0 mL, 10 mL 25 mL, and a blank). Also it can be
observed that, the DO level for BOD is high on Day 1 from a range of 7.07 to 7.76, and drops
drastically as it reaches Day 5 from a range of 0.52 to 1.76. The probable reason of this event
occurring is due to bacteria enclosed in the BOD bottles has limited oxygen. With depleting
oxygen content in the bottle, causes the bacteria to die off due to absence of oxygen. From
that, the objectives were achieved based on the results obtained which were to determine the
dissolved oxygen (DO) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) of a wastewater sample, as
well as to measure the strength of the industrial wastewater using oxygen utilized as a
stability factor.

7
 RECOMMENDATIONS

To prevent physical errors (caused by experimenters) from occurring, experimenters

have to focus and be patient for the readings to stabilize before recording any data. Also,
work together to record data, and not just be dependent on just a team member. Next, in order
to prevent recording the wrong data, team members should reconfirm with each other on the
results to acquire the readings which best fit.

Early precautions are important so that the experiment can be carried out smoothly
without any unwanted errors. Make sure to read the lab manual before going through with the
experiment to get a brief idea on how to conduct the experiment. This step is really important
so that the experimenters know what to do in the lab rather than waiting for the technicians to
guide them through until the end and to prevent any amateur hour. In addition to that, prevent
and avoid rushing while conducting the experiment. Also, make sure the experimental steps
are done properly and cautiously in acquiring the best data and results. This can definitely aid
in obtaining results which readings are closest to the expected results. Furthermore,
prioritizing the components’ and the apparatuses’ condition is really important as it will
affect the results. Asking the technician to check on the components and the apparatus
involved before starting the experiment is strongly recommended.

In relation to the actual experiment, ensure sufficient volume of wastewater sample is

prepared for analysis to avoid abnormality in readings and retardation in further analysis.
Other than that, ensure sealing is done properly for all the test samples in the BOD bottles.
This will prevent any errors from popping up in further experimentations and greatly aids in
obtaining the expected theoretical results and readings.

8
 REFERENCES

[1] Anonymous A, (2014). Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), [Online]. Available from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochemical_oxygen_demand [15th May 2014]

[2] Anonymous B, (2014). Water Quality, [Online]. Available from:

http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water_quality/quality1/1-bod-effects-on-water-
quality.htm [15th May 2014]

[3] Anonymous C, (2014). Oxygen Saturation/ Dissolved Oxygen, [Online]. Available from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen_saturation [15th May 2014]

[4] Anonymous D, (2014). Dissolved Oxygen, [Online]. Available from:

http://www.state.ky.us/nrepc/water/wcpdo.htm [15th May 2014]

[5] Anonymous E, (2014). What is Dissolved Oxygen?, [Online]. Available from:

http://www.mymobilebay.com/stationdata/whatisDO.htm [15th May 2014]