Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved oxygen is the measurement of the level of free, non-compound oxygen

present in a water body. It is one of the most important parameters to analyze water

quality because it is needed for the aquatic organisms’ survival. The oxygen can enter

the water through aeration, oxygen diffusion across the water’s surface, or as a product

of photosynthesis from phytoplankton, algae, or other aquatic plants (Dissolved Oxygen,

2013). Dissolved oxygen analysis can be used to measure the health, amount and type

of biomass, and amount of decomposition happening in a water body (Bruckner, n.d.).

References:

Fondriest Environmental, Inc. (19 Nov. 2013). Dissolved Oxygen. Fundamentals of

Environmental Measurements. [online] Available at:

https://www.fondriest.com/environmental-measurements/parameters/water-

quality/dissolved-oxygen/ >.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand

The biochemical oxygen demand is the measurement of the dissolved oxygen required

for microorganisms, mainly bacteria, to oxidize organic materials (Hocking, 2005). It

requires some kind of empirical test to determine the molecular oxygen given during a

specified incubation period or time (usually five days), for the biochemical deterioration

of organic matter (carbonaceous demand) and the oxygen used to oxidize inorganic

matter (e.g., sulphides and ferrous iron) (Scholz, 2006). BOD denote the amount of

putrefiable organic matter that can be found in water (Robson, n.d.). Therefore, in order

to have a good quality of water you need to have a low BOD, because a high BOD
indicates polluted water for a reason that a high BOD gives a greater amount of organic

matter or “food” available for oxygen absorbing bacteria. If the rate of DO consumption

by bacteria exceeds the supply of DO from aquatic plants, algae photosynthesis or

diffusing from air, unfavourable conditions occur. (Biochemical Oxygen Demand, 2017).

References:

Hocking, M. (2005). Water Quality Measurement. Handbook of Chemical Technology

and Pollution Control (Third Edition).

Scholz, M. (2006). Organic Effluent. Wetland Systems to Control Urban Runoff.

Robson, M. (n.d.). Biological Oxygen Demand. Encyclopedia of Public Health.

“Biological Oxygen Demand”. (2017). Real Tech Inc. [online] Available at:

https://realtechwater.com/parameters/biochemical-oxygen-demand/

Oil and Grease

American Public Health Association defined oil and grease as “any material recovered

as a substance soluble in the solvent. It includes other material extracted by the solvent

from an acidified sample (such as sulfur compounds, certain organic dyes, and

chlorophyll) and not volatilized during the test.” The concentration of dispersed oil and

grease is an important water quality parameter (Pisal, 2009). It can decrease dissolved

oxygen level and increase BOD in the water body due to the formation of oil layer on the

surface of the water that prevents oxygen diffusion (Katiyar et al., 2007). This reduces

the biological activity of treatment process where oil forms around microbes in

suspended matter and water (El-Gawad, 2014).

References:

El-Gawad, A. (2014). Oil and Grease Removal from Industrial Wastewater Using New

Utility Approach. Advances in Environmental Chemistry, Volume 2014, Article

ID 916878. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/916878

Katiyar, S., Kisku, C. G Sahu, K.R., & Tiwari J. (2007). Assessment of Drain Water

Receiving Effluent from Tanneries and Its Impact on Soil and Plants with Particular

Emphasis on Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals. J. Environmental Biology, 28(3): 685-

690

Pisal, A. (2009). Determination of Oil and Grease in Water with a Mid-Infrared

Spectrometer. [online] Available at: https://www.perkinelmer.com/lab-

solutions/resources/docs/APP_OilandGreaseinWaterbyMid-Infrared.pdf

Total Colliform

Total coliforms are a group of related bacteria that are (with few exceptions) not harmful to
humans. A variety of bacteria, parasites, and viruses, known as pathogens, can potentially cause
health problems in humans if there was any of these present inside the body. EPA considers total
coliforms a useful indicator of other pathogens in the drinking water. Total coliforms are used to
determine the acceptability of water treatment and the integrity of the distribution system.
(United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2017). Public water systems take many
movements to ensure that the water we drink is safe. Regular testing of Coliform bacteria is one
of the most important thing to do. Coliform bacteria can be found in the environment and feces
of all warm-blooded animals and humans. Coliform bacteria are not likely to affect the body and
cause illness. (Department of Health [US] (DOH),2016).

https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/revised-total-coliform-rule-and-total-coliform-rule

https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/331-181.pdf