What parameter is used to assess the chemical oxygen demand of wastewater?

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is a crucial parameter used to measure the amount of oxygen that would be consumed during the oxidation of organic and inorganic matter in a wastewater sample. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) is directly related to organic materials present in the wastewater, which are the primary contributors to COD levels. By assessing the TOC, one can infer the potential demand for oxygen required to oxidize these organic compounds in the wastewater. This correlation makes TOC a significant parameter in determining COD.

In contrast, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) specifically measures organic nitrogen and ammonia without providing information about the overall oxygen demand related to organic matter. Chlorides are associated with saline levels and do not reflect organic loading, while phosphorus primarily pertains to nutrient loading in aquatic systems and is not a direct measure of oxygen demand. Therefore, Total Organic Carbon stands out as the most relevant and useful parameter for assessing the chemical oxygen demand in wastewater analysis.