3.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

3.1

RESULTS

Table 1: The COD values of samples from different sources

Sample (different sources)
Ultrapure Water (Blank)
Sewage
Industrial

COD, mg/L
0
419
90

COD Levels of Samples from DIfferent Sources

COD (mg/L)

450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Ultrapure Water (Blank)

Sewage

Industrial

Samples from different sources

Figure 1: Graph of COD Levels of Samples from Different Sources

3.2
a

DISCUSSIONS
Explain the differences of COD values found in the different sources of sample.
Based on the results we obtained from the experiment, the value of COD is the highest
in sewage followed by industrial waste water. From the result, it is clearly seen that the
sewage with a COD value of 419 mg/L is highly polluted by organic chemicals.
Meanwhile, the industrial waste water with a COD value of 90 mg/L is less polluted
compared to the sewage. The COD value is affected by the concentration of organic
chemicals. The sewage waste water mostly comes from domestic waste with high
amount of inorganic pollutants such as detergents and household wastes. It is possible
that the industrial waste water is from organic industry, food industry and other
processes industries which results in high amount of organic substances in the water.

b State the importance to determine COD in water and wastewater, and interpret
your test results based on Environment Quality Act 1974 Standard A or B, Sewage
& Industrial Effluent.
It is important for us to determine the COD in water and wastewater so that we know
how much the water and wastewater polluted by organic chemicals. The higher COD
value shows highly polluted water and dangerous to be consumed. According to
Environment Quality Act 1974, the industrial and domestic wastewater contain higher
values of COD compare to Standard A and Standard B which means they are highly
polluted and out of the range. For the industrial waste water, it contains a COD value of
90mg/L which is below 100 mg/L which means it can be categorized under Standard B
where it cannot be consumed.
Table 2: Environment Quality Act 1974 Standard
Parameter
COD

Units
mg/L

Standard A
< 50

Standard B
< 100

Write the chemical reactions involved in the digestion process in determining COD.

CnHaObNc + dCr2O72- + (8d + c)H+

2dCr3+

nCO2 +

a+8 d3 c
H2O + cNH4+ +
2

d A sample is collected for COD analysis and it is to be performed on the following

day. Describe two ways which the sample can be preserved. Why it is necessary to
preserve the sample?
One of the ways which the sample can be preserved is by keeping the sample below pH
2 by the addition of concentrated acid such as sulphuric acid. Second way is by keeping
it cool about 4oC. It is necessary to preserve the sample so that the chemical activity of
organic and inorganic chemicals can be keep to a minimum.
e

Briefly explain a chemical treatment to reduce COD.

A chemical treatment that can be used to reduce COD is by using dilution treatment.
The dilution process reduces the concentration of the waste water. It is the most
economical means of wastewater disposal and as such was considered good engineering
practice. Early workers in the field devised mixing-zone concepts based on lateral,
vertical and longitudinal dispersion characteristics of the receiving waters. Formulas
predicting space and time requirements for diluting certain pollutants to preselected
concentration were developed. Highly polluted water in the immediate vicinity of the
discharge was tolerated as inevitable and little thought was given to the low levels of the
material transported downstream.

REFERENCE
Andrew, D. E., Lenore, S. C., Eugene, W. R. & Arnold, E. G. (2005). Standard Methods For
The Examination of Water And Wastewater. 21st Edition. USA.
Kasmawati, M. & Lee, K. K. 2007. Methods of Analysis for Water and Wastewater. UiTM.
Shah Alam.
Laws of Malaysia: Enviromental Quality Act 1974. (2006). Kuala Lumpur: The Commisioner
of Law Revision, Malaysia.
Peavy, H. S., Rowe, D. R., & Tchobanoglous, G. (1985). Enviromental Engineering.
Singapore: McGraw-Hill.