FACULTY OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

TECHNOLOGY
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY

LABORATORY REPORT

COURSE CODE BNP 21403

EXPERIMENT CODE & TITLE EXP. 3 (BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND)

EXPERIMENT DATE 27/10/2023

SECTION/GROUP NO. 4/2

1. MUHAMMAD IRSYAD BIN AHMAD NAZRI

2. RIDHWAN HAQIM BIN ROHIZAN
GROUP MEMBERS 3. MUHAMMAD ZULHILMI BIN MAT NAIN
4. MUHAMMAD SHUKRI BIN YUSMERA

LECTURER/ INSTRUCTOR DR. NAJEEHA BINTI MOHD APANDI

SUBMISSION DATE

RECEIVED DATE AND STAMP

EXAMINER’S COMMENTS

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 STUDENT CODE OF ETHICS

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

I hereby declare that I have prepared this report with my own efforts. I also admit to not accept or
provide any assistance in preparing this report and anything that is in it is true.

1) Group Leader : Irsyad (Signature)

Name : MUHAMMAD IRSYAD BIN AHMAD NAZRI

Matrix No. : AN220098

2) Group Member 1 : Ridhwan (Signature)

Name : RIDHWAN HAQIM BIN ROHIZAN

Matrix No. : CN220119

3) Group Member 2 : Zulhilmi (Signature)

Name : MUHAMMAD ZULHILMI BIN MAT NAIN

Matrix No. : CN220131

4) Group Member 4 : Shukri (Signature)

Name : MUHAMMAD SHUKRI BIN YUSMERA

Matrix No. : AN220145

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

NO TOPIC PAGE
1 OBJECTIVE 4
2 INTRODUCTION 4
3 PROCEDURE 4-6
4 EQUIPMENTS 6-8
5 CALCULATION 9-10
6 DISCUSSION 11-12
7 ADDITIONAL QUESTION 13-14
8 CONCLUSION 15

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1.0 OBJECTIVE

a) To understand the concept of biochemical oxygen demand in a given water/wastewater

sample.
b) To determine the biochemical oxygen demand in water samples.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) test measures the ability of naturally occurring
microorganisms to digest organic matter, usually in a 5 days incubation at 20oC by analysing the
depletion of oxygen. BOD is the most commonly used parameter for determining the oxygen demand
on the receiving water of a municipal or industrial discharge. BOD can also be used to evaluate the
efficiency of treatment processes and is an indirect measure of biodegradable organic compounds in
water.

The BOD test is normally required by a regulatory program. For this experiment two
analytical methods for testing and reporting BOD5 will be examined; dilution method (EPA method
405.1 and Standard method 5210 B) and respirometric method (using BODTrak apparatus by
Hachcompany).

3.0 PROCEDURE

3.1 Determination of sample size

The minimum and maximum estimate of sample size will be calculated using formulas in the
Calculation.

3.2 Pre-treatment of samples (Neutralizing samples)

Caustic alkalinity or acidity can prevent bacteria from growing during the course of the BOD test.
To prevent this, samples which have pH values higher than pH 8.0 or lower than pH 6.0 must be
neutralized to pH 7.0 before the test is performed.

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1. Poured 50 mL of sample into a 100 mL beaker.

2. Measured the pH of the sample using a pH meter.

If the pH was out of the range of pH 6.0 to pH 8.0, continued with steps 3‑6; otherwise, performed
the BOD test on the untreated sample.

3. Added 1 N sulfuric acid, H2SO4 if the sample was alkaline, or 1 N sodium hydroxide, NaOH if
the sample was acidic, until the pH reached 6.5 – 7.5.
4. Calculated the amount of sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide needed to neutralize 1000 mL of the
sample.
5. Added the calculated amount of acid or base to the sample (See calculation section).
6. Repeated steps 1‑5 until the pH test showed pH 6.5 – 7.5. Recorded the volume of NaOH or
H2SO4 in the Results section.

3.3 BOD5 measurement

1. Prepared the sample of estimated BOD5 (400 mg/L for influent and 60 mg/L for effluent).
2. Labeled separately 6 units of 300 mL BOD bottle. One bottle for blanks and another bottle for
samples.

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3. For each bottle, partially filled with dilution water and added volume of sample size based on your
calculation (except the blank bottle). Completely filled the bottles with dilution water.
4. Determined the initial DO for each bottle and recorded data on the Results section.

5. Inserted the bottle stoppers and filled the top of each bottle; each round, the bottle stopper with
dilution water.
6. Place the remaining bottles in the incubator at 20°C and incubate for five days.
7. At the end of exactly five days (+3 hours), the final DO content of the incubated bottles. Recorded
the result on the data sheet.

4.0 EQUIPMENTS

a) 300 mL glass stoppers BOD bottles

b) Incubator regulated at 20+ 1oC

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c) pH meter

d) Dissolved oxygen meter

e) Air pump

f) Measuring cylinder, 500 mL

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g) Beaker

h) Volumetric flask, 1000 mL

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5.0 CALCULATION

5.1 Results

a) Type of sample : Lake water

b) Initial pH of sample : 6.85
c) Adjustment pH of sample :0
d) Volume of acid used : 0 ml
e) Volume of base used : 0 ml
f) Volume of sample used : (i) 0 ml
(ii) 75 ml
(iii) 225 ml

Table 5.1.1: BOD5 of water sample

Sample Volume of Volume of Initial Final DO BOD5,
incubation sample DO, DO, depletion, mg/L
bottle, mL size, mL mg/L mg/L mg/L
Blank 300 0 9.26 9.02 0.24 0
1 300 75 8.93 5.95 2.98 11.92
2 300 225 7.75 3.29 4.46 5.95

5.2 Calculations

Sample water, mL = (minimum allowable depletion, mg/L) x (volume of BOD bottle, mL)
Estimated BOD, mg/L

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 For example, suppose the estimated BOD of an influent sample is 400 mg/L and
assume the DO of saturated dilution water is 8.0 mg/L. Since the criteria for most
valid results states that the DO depletion at the end of five days incubation should be
at least 2.0 mg/L and the residual DO at least 1.0 mg/L, to calculate the minimum The
two equations below to determine the maximum and minimum amount of sample
water to be used in dilutions.

Sample water, mL = (minimum allowable depletion, mg/L) x (volume of BOD bottle, mL)
Estimated BOD, mg/L

Sample water, mL = (maximum allowable depletion, mg/L) x (volume of BOD bottle, mL)
Estimated BOD, mg/L

1.2.2 Calculate the amount of 1 N sodium hydroxide, NAOH or 1 N sulfuric acid, H2SO4
needed to neutralize the sample to pH 7.0 using the following formula:

Volume of acid or base needed, mL = (volume acid or base used, mL x total test sample, mL)
Sample portion used for neutralization, mL.

For example, suppose 1.3 mL of 1 N NaOH are used to neutralize 50 mL of sample to pH

7.0. Calculate the volume of NaOH to be added to neutralize the sample as follows:

Volume 1 N NaOH needed, mL = (1.3 mL x 1000 mL) = 26 mL

50 mL

1.2.3 To determine the value of the BOD5 in mg/L, use the following formula;

BOD5, mg/L = (DO depletion) x 300

Sample size, mL

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6.0 DISCUSSION

Let's break down the discussion based on the provided BOD5 results:

1. Theoretical Basis.

- BOD5 measures the amount of dissolved oxygen (DO) consumed by microorganisms over a
five-day incubation period. It reflects the biodegradable organic content in water.

- The BOD5 results indicate the oxygen demand associated with the tested samples.

2. Practical Applications.

- The BOD5 results are essential for assessing the organic pollution load in the water samples. In
practical terms, they help determine the effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes and identify
potential environmental impacts.

- Lower BOD5 values suggest better water quality, while higher values may indicate increased
pollution and reduced oxygen availability for aquatic life.

3. Current Industrial Practices.

- Industries routinely monitor BOD5 to comply with environmental regulations and ensure
sustainable water management.

- The results may influence decisions regarding the need for additional treatment or process
optimization to meet discharge standards.

4. Variation in Results.

- The observed variation in BOD5 results between sample sizes (0, 11.92, and 5.95 mg/L) could be
due to differences in organic content or microbial activity.

- Discuss factors that may contribute to the variation, such as sampling variability or changes in
water composition over time.

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 5. Comparison with Standards.

- Compare the obtained BOD5 values with recommended standard values from relevant
environmental agencies (e.g., Department of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and
Environment, EPA, WHO, EC).

- If the BOD5 values exceed standards, it may indicate a potential environmental concern and the
need for remedial action.

6. Implications and Recommendations.

- Consider the implications of the results on environmental health, aquatic ecosystems, and
compliance with regulatory standards.

- Provide recommendations for further monitoring, possible treatment adjustments, or actions to

reduce organic pollution

7. Future Considerations.

- Suggest future considerations, such as continued monitoring to track changes in water quality,
investigation into potential pollution sources, or the implementation of advanced treatment
technologies.

In summary, the discussion should highlight the theoretical significance of BOD5, its
practical applications in assessing water quality, the relevance to industrial practices, variation in
results, and a critical comparison with established standards. This comprehensive analysis aids in
understanding the environmental impact and guides decision-making for sustainable water
management.

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7.0 ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

1. Why is it important to determine BOD value in wastewater treatment?

- Determining BOD values in wastewater is essential for assessing pollution levels, evaluating
treatment efficiency, protecting the environment, complying with regulations, and optimizing
treatment processes to effectively manage and treat wastewater before its release into the
environment.

2. Why do you incubate BOD bottles?

- In essence, incubating BOD bottles for a standardized period, such as 5 days at a controlled
temperature, allows for consistent, reliable, and comparable measurements of the oxygen
demand in wastewater samples, providing valuable information for water quality assessment
and environmental monitoring.

3. Why do you need to determine the BOD of the blank (dilution water, unseeded)?
- We need to determine the BOD of the blank (dilution water, unseeded) because it is critical
for establishing a baseline oxygen demand, ensuring accuracy and reliability in BOD
measurements, and identifying any potential contamination or errors that could affect the
integrity of the experimental process in wastewater analysis.

4. List the chemicals added to the dilution water and explain why they are added?
- Nutrient Solution (Phosphate Buffer and Magnesium Sulfate): These nutrients are added to
the dilution water to support the growth and metabolic activity of microorganisms. Phosphate
buffer helps in maintaining a stable pH level, which is crucial for the activity of
microorganisms involved in the breakdown of organic matter during the BOD test.
Magnesium sulfate provides essential nutrients necessary for microbial growth and activity.
- Seed (Inoculum): The seed is a portion of activated sludge or wastewater containing a diverse
microbial population. It is added to the dilution water to introduce a known quantity of active
microorganisms. These microorganisms serve as catalysts for the decomposition of organic
material in the sample, consuming oxygen during their metabolic processes.

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- Glucose or Other Carbon Source (Optional): Sometimes, a glucose solution or another carbon
source is added to the dilution water. This addition is optional and is used when the original
sample lacks sufficient biodegradable material. The purpose is to provide an additional food
source for microorganisms, ensuring that there is enough organic material available for their
metabolic activity during the BOD test.

5. 30 mL of wastewater are placed in a 300 mL BOD bottle. The sample is diluted to fill the
bottle. The DO concentrations at the beginning and the end of 5-day incubation period are 7.3
mg/L and 1.8 mg/L respectively. What is the BOD?

Solution:

BOD=(initial Do – Final Do) X (Bottle volume / Sample volume)

Given:

● Initial Do = 7.3mg/L
● Final Do = 1.8mg/L
● Bottle volume = 300mL
● Sample volume = 30mL

BOD = (7.3 – 1.8) X (300/30)

= 5.5mg/L X 10 @ 55mg/L

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8.0 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) test serves as a crucial tool for
assessing the organic pollution load in water samples. The results obtained from the BOD test
provide valuable insights into the biodegradable organic content and the potential impact on aquatic
ecosystems.

The variation in BOD5 results, ranging from 0 to 11.92 mg/L for different sample sizes,
underscores the importance of considering sample characteristics and potential sources of variability
in interpreting the data. The observed DO (Dissolved Oxygen) depletion of 0.24, 2.98, and 4.46
mg/L over the five-day incubation period reflects the oxygen demand associated with the tested
samples.

From a practical standpoint, the BOD test has significant implications for both industrial
practices and environmental management. Industries rely on BOD testing to monitor and optimize
wastewater treatment processes, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The results
guide decisions on process adjustments and pollution control measures to mitigate adverse effects on
water quality.

Comparing the obtained BOD5 values with recommended standard values from
environmental agencies, such as the Department of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and
Environment, or international organizations like EPA, WHO, or EC, is critical. Any deviation from
established standards may signal potential environmental concerns, necessitating further
investigation and remedial actions.

In the context of sustainable water management, the BOD test aids in making informed
decisions for the protection of aquatic ecosystems, preservation of water quality, and adherence to
regulatory requirements. Ongoing monitoring and consideration of future developments will
contribute to a comprehensive understanding of water quality dynamics and support efforts to
maintain or improve environmental conditions.

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