Experimental validation of a single-OUR method for wastewater RBCOD characterisation

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Water Treatment Engineering

Background:

• Accurate wastewater characterization is crucial for effective treatment plant design and operation.
• Conventional methods for determining readily biodegradable chemical oxygen demand (RBCOD) are time-consuming, often requiring several hours.
• There is a need for faster, more efficient techniques to assess RBCOD in wastewater.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel, rapid, and user-friendly respirometric technique for quantifying readily biodegradable chemical oxygen demand (RBCOD).
• To demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method compared to conventional techniques.

Main Methods:

• Development of a calibration curve correlating oxygen consumption with known amounts of Sodium Acetate.
• Measurement of oxygen uptake rate (OUR) using a well-aerated biomass.
• Calculation of RBCOD concentration based on measured oxygen consumed (delta DO) and the established calibration curve.

Main Results:

• The respirometric technique allows for RBCOD assessment in less than 30 minutes after calibration.
• The method establishes a clear correlation between oxygen consumed and added Sodium Acetate (COD equivalent).
• The procedure involves measuring delta DO, calculating acetate equivalent COD, and determining RBCOD concentration.

Conclusions:

• The evaluated respirometric technique offers a significantly faster alternative for RBCOD characterization.
• This rapid method aids in the efficient design and management of wastewater treatment plants.
• The technique is easy to use and provides accurate assessments of readily biodegradable COD.