Sewage Parameters 1: BOD
Introduction
Before diving into the details of package sewage treatment, it’s important to understand the key parameters that define sewage. These parameters apply to both:
Influent: Sewage entering a treatment plant.
Effluent: Treated water leaving a treatment plant.
One of the most important parameters is BOD or BOD5.
What is BOD?
BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) is a measure of the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to break down organic matter in sewage.
BOD5: Refers to the standard test that measures BOD over 5 days, the typical timeframe for assessing organic decomposition.
Why is BOD Important?
High BOD Levels:
Indicates a high level of organic pollution.
If discharged untreated into a watercourse, it can significantly reduce oxygen levels in the water, causing harm to aquatic life (e.g., fish and other oxygen-dependent organisms).
BOD in Sewage:
Normal domestic sewage typically has an influent BOD of ~300 mg/l.
BOD After Treatment:
European norms require effluent BOD to be reduced to ≤25 mg/l before discharge to minimise pollution.
Advanced systems like the BMS Blivet can achieve BOD levels as low as 5 mg/l if stricter standards are required.
Application in Package Sewage Treatment
BOD Reduction:
Package sewage treatment plants (e.g., the BMS Blivet) are designed to reduce BOD from influent levels to regulatory-compliant effluent levels.
This is achieved through biological processes that allow microorganisms to break down organic matter efficiently.
Next Topic: Suspended Solids (SS)
Stay tuned for the next post, where we’ll explore another critical parameter: Suspended Solids (SS).
Have Questions?
If you have any queries or topics you’d like us to address, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!
About BMS
BMS is a quality manufacturer of package products for wastewater and stormwater treatment:
Established: 1986
Global Reach: Exported to over 50 countries.
Family Business: A third-generation company with deep expertise.
BMS Product Range
BMS provides a wide array of surface water and wastewater treatment products, including:
View the full product catalogue here
Additional Services by BMS
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Operation and Maintenance: Full services for existing installations, including repair, advice, and testing.
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