Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is a measure of the biologically available and inert organic matter that is susceptible to oxidation by a strong oxidizing agent.
The Hanna COD method is based on the well-established closed dichromate-reflux colorimetric method. The colorimetric measurement of COD is faster and easier to perform than the titrimetric analysis; additional reagents are not required. The sample is added to the reagent vial and digested under closed reflux conditions and allowed to cool before measurement is taken. Reference standards can be made using potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP), 1 mg of KHP is equal to 1.175 mg COD.
COD is used as a measurement of pollutants. It is normally measured in both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants and gives an indication of the efficiency of the treatment process. COD is measured on both influent and effluent water. The efficiency of the treatment process is normally expressed as COD removal, measured as a percentage of the organic matter purified during the cycle. COD has further applications in power plant operations, chemical manufacturing, commercial laundries, pulp and paper mills, agriculture and animal waste runoff, environmental studies and general education. Hanna equipment can be used in the laboratory or for on-site testing. The measurement procedure has been designed for ease of use by personnel at any skill level.
