What Does
Chemical Oxygen Demand Mean?
A chemical oxygen demand (COD) test is a test that is used to measure the organic compounds in water. It is most commonly used to measure the amounts of organic compounds in surface water, such as rivers and lakes, and wastewater. Chemical oxygen demand testing is a useful measure of water quality. COD is expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/L).
Safeopedia Explains Chemical Oxygen Demand
A chemical oxygen demand test works on the basis that nearly all organic compounds can be oxidized to carbon with a strong oxidizing agent in the presence of acid. Many governments around the world regulate the maximum chemical oxygen demand allowed in wastewater. Of the various oxidizing agents that have been used for the chemical oxygen demand test, potassium dichromate has been shown to be the most effective.