Introduction

Waste water treatment plants are responsible for removing the contaminants and pollutants from waste water before it is discharged into the environment. The efficiency of these plants is crucial to protect the environment and public health. However, the presence of certain chemicals can significantly affect the treatment process. One such chemical is cod, or chemical oxygen demand. In this article, we will discuss why cod should be removed from waste water treatment plants.

What is COD?

COD, or chemical oxygen demand, is a measure of the amount of organic matter present in waste water. It is a critical parameter in waste water treatment as it indicates the amount of oxygen needed to break down organic matter by microorganisms. COD is usually measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) and is used as an indicator of the level of pollutants in the water. A high COD level can lead to a decrease in dissolved oxygen, which can have a detrimental effect on aquatic life.

Why COD is a Problem?

COD is a problem in waste water treatment plants because it can interfere with the treatment process. High COD levels require more oxygen, which can cause a depletion of dissolved oxygen levels. When dissolved oxygen is low, anaerobic bacteria can grow, which can produce undesirable byproducts such as hydrogen sulfide and methane. These byproducts can cause odors and create maintenance issues in the treatment plant.

Effects of High COD Levels on Treatment Plant Efficiency

High COD levels can also reduce the efficiency of the treatment process. COD is a measure of the amount of organic matter in the waste water, and a high COD level indicates a large quantity of organic matter is present. Organic matter can be difficult to break down, and consequently require more time and energy to treat. The presence of high levels of COD can also increase the amount of sludge produced, which can lead to disposal issues.

Removal of COD in Waste Water Treatment Plants

To remove COD from waste water, the water must be treated with chemicals or exposed to ultraviolet light. One of the most common ways to remove COD from waste water is by using activated carbon. Activated carbon is a highly porous material that can adsorb organic matter from the waste water, effectively removing COD. Another popular method is to use ozone to break down the organic matter present in the water. Ozone is highly reactive and can break down the organic matter into less harmful compounds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the presence of high levels of COD in waste water treatment plants can have significant negative effects on the treatment process. It can lead to a decrease in dissolved oxygen, increase in sludge production, and odors. To mitigate these problems, wastewater treatment plants should adopt technologies such as activated carbon or ozone to remove COD from waste water. It is essential to improve treatment plant efficiency to protect the environment and public health.