BOD Test Measurement Problems
There can be several reasons why the accuracy of the BOD result might be affected such as:
- The water sample which is collected from the source needs to reach the laboratory as soon as possible. If there is a delay in the analysis or a slight contamination of the water sample, the BOD test will fail.
- Temperature plays an important criteria in determining the result of the BOD test. If there is a minor change in the incubation temperature, it might hamper the microbial activity inside the sample.
- If by any chance, there is an addition of organic matter in the sample, the BOD test results will come out elevated.
- All samples that are collected need to be stored in air-tight bottles to prevent any contamination of the sample by atmospheric oxygen.
- In some cases, there might be organic compounds that need more incubation time to degrade. This can result in a lower value of BOD being computed.
- If there are any toxic compounds present in the water sample, the microbial activity of the microorganisms is disturbed, thus leading to reduced BOD values.
What is BOD Test?
The BOD test acts as an important criterion for knowing the health of an ecosystem. The BOD Test of Water is done to know how impure or pure the water body is. The BOD test procedure involves the collection of the water sample in an air-tight container which is then kept in incubation for five days at 20 ℃. The sample of water contains microorganisms that have the function of decomposing organic matter. They utilize oxygen present in the water to do so. BOD measures the amount of oxygen that gets consumed.
Table of Content
- Definition of BOD
- Objectives of BOD Testing
- Principle of BOD Test
- Calculation of BOD
- BOD Test Procedure
- BOD Test Measurement Problems
- Importance of Biochemical Oxygen Demand
- Limitations of the BOD Test