INTRODUCTION

Level 1 laboratory activity refers to condition where the problem and ways & means are
guided and given to the students. However the answers to the assignment are left to the
students to solve using the group creativity and innovativeness. The activity is hope to slowly
introduced and inculcate independent learning amongst students and prepare them for a
much harder task of open-ended laboratory activities.
In this partially open laboratory activity the students are required to carry out tests to identify
the amount of volatile suspended solids and fixed solids in different water samples.

OBJECTIVES
To determine COD concentration in water samples.

PROBLEM STATEMENT
Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a measure of the capacity of water to consume oxygen
during the decomposition of organic matter and the oxidation of inorganic chemicals such as
Ammonia and nitrite. COD measurements are commonly made on samples of wastewaters
or of natural waters contaminated by domestic or industrial wastes. Students are required to
determine the effectiveness of any wastewater treatment in Pasir Gudang area by
conducting COD experiment.

APPARATUS
COD Vials, Spectrophotometer, Pipet, COD Reactor, Test Tube Rack

PROCEDURES
1. COD reactor is preheated to 150 oC
2. 2 COD vials are prepared. The caps from vials are removed. (Be sure to use vials for the
appropriate range)
3. COD vial is held at 45 degree. 2 mL of water sample is added into vial by using pipet.
This sample is labeled as prepared sample
4. Another COD vial is held at 45 degree. 2 mL of deionized water is added into vial by
using pipet. This sample is labeled as blank sample.
5. The vials are capped tightly and wiped with clean paper towel.
6. Vials are held by the cap and inverted several times to mix.
7. Placed the vials in preheated COD reactor and the protective lid is then closed.
8. The vials is heated for 2 hours
9. The vials is then cooled for 20 minutes
10. The vials are inverted several times and placed into a rack. These vials are left to cool to
room temperature.
11. By using appropriate program code number, COD of water samples is determined by
using spectrophotometer (unit mg/L COD)