What is Chemical Oxygen Demand?

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is used as a measure of organic pollutants in water and is expressed in milligrams per litre (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm).

The most common application of COD is in quantifying the amount of oxidisable pollutants found in water. A COD test can be used to decipher the level of organics in water.

Regulators enforce limits on the maximum amount of COD allowed in wastewater before it enters the environment and the local utility provider stipulates levels for effluent going to sewer. Businesses which use water in their manufacturing processes must be mindful of the level of COD in their wastewater, or risk being forced to pay strict fines.

COD can be split into two types – non-biodegradable and biodegradable.

The Nyex™ processes specialise in the non-biodegradable category, as the biodegradable type tend to be broken down using a simple biological treatment process. Non-biodegradable compounds tend to be recalcitrant in nature, requiring a more advanced tertiary process to remove.

Chemical Oxygen Demand

Non-biodegradable COD

Biodegradable COD (BOD)

Pharmaceuticals

Persistent organic pollutants

Industrial chemicals

Pesticides*

Organic additives

Aliphatic compounds**

Aromatics**

Fatty acids

Proteins

Alcohols

Sugar

 

*Agrichemical companies are making strides to produce biodegradable pesticides, but the majority are still non-biodegradable.

**There are a few non-biodegradable aliphatic compounds and aromatics – the Nyex™ process is suited to both types.

What products do Arvia offer?

Nyex Rosalox

Nyex Ellenox

What are the benefits of COD reduction?

Reducing COD levels positively affects the environment by reducing the amount of contamination which enters our water supplies. It also helps organisations avoid fines from utilities or regulatory bodies.

Failure to comply with regulations can result in a loss of permit, operational downtime, limited production volume and severe fines.

By adopting a wastewater treatment process which has the ability to remove low to trace levels of organics, you can meet regulations and prove commitment to the protection of the environment.