EPA-NERL: 405.1: Biochemical Oxygen Demand
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Official Method Name
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Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5 days, 20oC) |
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Current Revision
| Issued 1971; Editroial Revision 1974 |
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Media
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WATER |
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Instrumentation
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Membrane Electrode or Titration |
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Method Subcategory
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Organic |
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Method Source
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Citation
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Brief Method Summary
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The BOD test is an empirical bioassay-type test which measures the dissolved oxygen consumed by microbial life while assimilating and oxidizing organic matter in a sample. A waste sample (or dilution) is incubated for five days 20oC in the dark. Dissolved oxygen is measured before and after incubation using a modified Winkler or oxygen probe method (e.g., EPA Method 360.2 and 360.1). The reduction in dissolved oxygen during the incubation period yields a measure of BOD. |
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Scope and Application
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This test for BOD is used to determine the relative oxygen requirements of municipal and industrial wastewaters. |
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Applicable Concentration Range
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See EPA Methods 360.1 and 360.2 for general information on the range of dissolved oxygen methods. |
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Interferences
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None Provided. |
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Quality Control Requirements
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None. |
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Sample Handling
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Use of 60 mL incubation bottles with oxygen probe methods is often convenient. |
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Maximum Holding Time
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48 hours (MCAWW, Table 1). |
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Relative Cost
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Less than $50 |
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Sample Preparation Methods
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None. |
