This method determines the oxygen-depleting capacity of effluent or water. It is indirectly a measure of the organic concentration, but since only part of the organic material is oxidized biochemically, it does not measure total organic concentration.
This BOD method is based on a five-day period of oxidation at 20°C including the immediate oxygen demand.
This method applies to all types of waters and wastewaters providing there is nothing to inhibit or prevent oxidation by the micro-organisms. BOD results depend on having a viable seed culture of micro-organisms acclimatized to metabolize the sample. Failure to provide this seed culture will adversely affect the results even if all other items of procedure have been closely followed.
The testing and evaluation of a product against this method may require the use of materials and/or equipment that could be hazardous. This document does not purport to address all the safety aspects associated with its use. Anyone using this method has the responsibility to consult the appropriate authorities and to establish appropriate health and safety practices in conjunction with any existing applicable regulatory requirements prior to its use.
