FACULTY : ENGINEERING

EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
FACULTY OFTECHNOLOGY REVISION NO:
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY 02
ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE
OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
EXPERIMENT: DATE:
TECHNOLOGY FEB 2018
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN
DEMAND (BOD) AMENDMENT DATE: FEB 2018

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

LABORATORY /
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY

LABORATORY INSTRUCTION SHEETS

COURSE CODE BNP 21403

EXPERIMENT CODE EXPERIMENT 3

EXPERIMENT TITLE BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD)

DATE

GROUP NO.

(1)
LECTURER/ INSTRUCTOR
(2)

DATE OF REPORT SUBMISSION

RECEIVED DATE AND STAMP

COMMENTS:

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

TOTAL MARK (FROM RUBRIC
ASSESSMENT) DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY
LABORATORY RUBRIC ASSESSMENT

CLO: To Display the ability of working in group in accomplishing the tasks of water and wastewater
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analysis and treatment technology effectively
(PLO2- P4) – 10%
FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB 2018
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN
DEMAND (BOD) AMENDMENT DATE: FEB 2018

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB 2018
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN
DEMAND (BOD) AMENDMENT DATE: FEB 2018

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 __________________________________ (Signature)

Name : __________________________________
Matrix No. : __________________________________

2) Group Member 1 ___________________________________ (Signature)

Name : ___________________________________
Matrix No : ___________________________________

3) Group Member 2 __________________________________ (Signature)

Name : __________________________________
Matrix No. : __________________________________

4) Group Member 3 __________________________________ (Signature)

Name : __________________________________
Matrix No. : __________________________________

1.0 OBJECTIVES

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB 2018
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN
DEMAND (BOD) AMENDMENT DATE: FEB 2018

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

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

2.0 LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this course students are able to:
a) Describe the importance of BOD in the environmental studies.
b) Evaluate the water parameter quality in water sample and water supply.
c) Identify problems and use their generic skill to solve problems.
d) Develop their ability to work in group.

3.0 INTRODUCTION
3.1 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) test measures the ability of naturally
occurring microorganism 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.

3.2 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).

4.0 INSTRUMENTS /APPARATUS / CHEMICAL / REAGENTS

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB 2018
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN
DEMAND (BOD) AMENDMENT DATE: FEB 2018

4.1 Chemicals / Reagents

a) pH calibration buffers: pH 4.00, pH 7.00 and pH 10.00
b) Nutrient salt solutions (prepared by technician);
i) Phosphate buffer solution: 8.5 g potassium dihydrogen phosphate
(KH2PO4) are dissolved in approximately 500 mL distilled water and 21.75 g
Di potassium hydrogen phosphate (K2HPO4) are added, followed by 33.4 g
di sodium hydrogen phosphate (Na2HPO4. 7H2O) and 1.7 g ammonium
chloride (NH4Cl). The solution is made up to 1 L and the pH of this buffer
should be 7.2.
ii) Magnesium sulphate solution: 22.5 g magnesium sulphate (MgSO4.
7H2O) is dissolved in distilled water and the solution made up to 1 L.
iii) Calcium chloride solution: 27.5 g of anhydrous calcium chloride (CaCl2)
are dissolved in distilled water and the solution made up to 1 L.
iv) Ferric chloride solution: 0.25 g FeCl3.6H2O is dissolved in distilled water
and the solution made up to 1 L.
c) Dilution water: 1 mL of each of the nutrient salt solutions is added to 1 L
deionised water and aeration carried out for several days (at least 12 hours) in
the dark. Mix thoroughly and bring temperature to 20 + 3oC.
Note: Prepare dilution water 3 to 5 days before initiating BOD test to ensure
that the BOD of the dilution water is less than 0.2 mg/L.
d) 1 N of sulfuric acid, H2SO4 or 1 N sodium hydroxide, NaOH

4.2 Apparatus /Instruments

a) 300 mL glass stoppers BOD bottles
b) Incubator regulated at 20+ 1oC
c) pH meter
d) Dissolved oxygen meter
e) Air pump
f) Measuring cylinder, 500 mL
g) Beaker
h) Volumetric flask, 1000 mL
5.0 PROCEDURE
5.1 Determination of sample size

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB 2018
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN
DEMAND (BOD) AMENDMENT DATE: FEB 2018

Use formulas in Calculation section to calculate the minimum and maximum

estimated of sample size.

5.2 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.

(i). Pour 50 mL of sample into a 100 mL beaker.

(ii). Measure the pH of the sample using a pH meter. If the pH is out of the
range of pH 6.0 to pH 8.0 continue with steps 36, otherwise perform the
BOD test on the untreated sample.
(iii). Add 1 N sulfuric acid, H2SO4 if the sample is alkaline, or 1 N sodium
hydroxide, NaOH if the sample is acidic, until the pH reaches 6.5-7.5.
(iv). Calculate the amount of sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide needed to
neutralize 1000 mL of the sample.
(v). Add the calculated amount of acid or base to the sample (See calculation
section).
(vi). Repeat steps 15 until the pH test shows pH 6.5-7.5. Record the volume of
NaOH or H2SO4 in Results section.

5.3 BOD5 measurement

(i) Prepared the sample of estimated BOD5 (400 mg/L for influent and 60
mg/L for effluent).
(ii) Label separately 6 unit of 300 mL BOD bottle. One bottle for blank and
another bottle for sample.
(iii) For each bottle, partially filled with dilution water and add volume of
sample size based on your calculation (except the blank bottle).
Completely fill the bottles with dilution water.
(iv) Determine the initial DO for each bottle and record data on Results
section.
(v) Insert the bottle stoppers and will the top of each bottle each round the
bottle stopper with dilution water.
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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB 2018
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN
DEMAND (BOD) AMENDMENT DATE: FEB 2018

(vi) Place the remaining bottles in the incubator at 20°C and incubate for five
days.
(vii) At the end of exactly five days (+3 hours), determine the final DO content
of the incubated bottles. Record the result on data sheet.

Note: The dilution water blanks are used only to check the quality of the dilution water.
If the quality of the water is good and free from impurities, the depletion of DO should
be less than 0.2 mg/L. In any event, do not use the depletion obtained as a blank
correction.

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB 2018
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN
DEMAND (BOD) AMENDMENT DATE: FEB 2018

6.0 RESULTS & CALCULATIONS

6.1 Results

a) Type of sample: _________________________

b) Initial pH of sample : _________________________
c) Adjustment pH of sample : _________________________
d) Volume of acid used : _________________________ mL
e) Volume of base used : _________________________ mL
f) Volume of sample used: (i). __________________ ml
(ii). _________________ ml
(iii). ---------------------- ml

Table 6.1: BOD5 of water sample

Volume of Volume of DO
Initial DO, Final DO, BOD5,
Sample incubation sample depletion,
mg/L mg/L mg/L
bottle, mL size, mL mg/L
Blank
1
2
3
4
5

6.2 Calculations

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB 2018
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN
DEMAND (BOD) AMENDMENT DATE: FEB 2018

6.2.1 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

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

vi.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)
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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB 2018
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN
DEMAND (BOD) AMENDMENT DATE: FEB 2018

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

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

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

Sample size, mL

7.0 ANALYSIS
Please analyse the data and results obtained in this experiment

8.0 DISCUSSIONS
Discuss your results both on the basis of any theory presented and on their relevance
to practical applications and current industrial practise. Comment on the variation of
your results and compare them with the recommended standard values from the
Department of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment or other
international organization such as EPA, WHO, EC, etc.

9.0 ADVANCED QUESTIONS

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

2. Why do you incubate BOD bottles?

3. Why you need to determine the BOD of the blank (dilution water, unseeded)?

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 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
EDITION: 02
TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY: CIVIL
REVISION NO: 02
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIMENT: EFFECTIVE DATE: FEB 2018
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN
DEMAND (BOD) AMENDMENT DATE: FEB 2018

4. List the chemical added to the dilution water and explain why they are added?

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?

10.0 CONCLUSION
Conclusion is merely a summary, presented in a logical order, of the important findings
already reported in the discussion section. It also relates to the objectives stated
earlier.

Prepared by/Disediakan oleh : Approved by/Disahkan oleh :

Signature/Tandatangan : Signature/Tandatangan :

Name/Nama : DR NOR HAZREN ABDUL Name/Nama : ASSOC. PROF. DR. SURAYA

HAMID HANI BT. ADNAN
Date/Tarikh : FEB. 2018 Date/Tarikh : FEB. 2018

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