Module II- Water Pollution (PART -A)

Organic Load in Aquatic Systems

(A Key Factor in Water Pollution)

Organic load refers to the amount of organic matter present in an aquatic ecosystem. This
organic matter can originate from natural sources like plant decay and animal excreta or
anthropogenic sources such as sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents. The organic
load is a critical parameter influencing water quality and ecosystem health.

Sources of Organic Load

1. Natural Sources

Leaf litter and plant material: Decomposition of fallen leaves and aquatic
vegetation.
Animal waste: Excreta from aquatic organisms and terrestrial animals.

2. Anthropogenic Sources

Domestic wastewater: Sewage containing organic compounds like proteins,

carbohydrates, and fats.
Agricultural runoff: Manure, fertilizers, and crop residues rich in organic
nutrients.
Industrial effluents: Wastes from food processing, paper mills, and textile
industries.
Urban stormwater: Organic debris and pollutants from cities washed into water
bodies.

Impacts of Excess Organic Load on Aquatic Systems

1. Depletion of Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

Organic matter undergoes decomposition by microorganisms, which consume oxygen in

the process. A high organic load can lead to hypoxia (low oxygen levels) or anoxia
(complete oxygen depletion), endangering aquatic life.
2. Eutrophication

Excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, often accompany organic load. This
promotes algal blooms, which block sunlight and disrupt photosynthesis in submerged plants.

3. Formation of Toxic Substances

Anaerobic decomposition of organic matter produces harmful gases like methane (CH₄) and
hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).

4. Impact on Biodiversity

Sensitive species may die off in low-oxygen conditions, while tolerant species dominate,
reducing biodiversity.

5. Water Quality Deterioration

High biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) are indicators of
organic pollution. Turbidity, foul odor, and coloration make water unsuitable for human use and
recreation.

Measurement and Indicators of Organic Load

1. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

o Measures the oxygen required for microbial decomposition of organic matter over
five days.
2. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
o Measures the total oxygen required to chemically oxidize organic and inorganic
substances.
3. Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
o Quantifies the carbon content of organic compounds.
4. Nutrient Levels
o Concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, key contributors to eutrophication.

Organic load plays a pivotal role in shaping water quality in aquatic systems. While a certain
amount of organic matter is necessary for the sustenance of aquatic food chains, excessive
organic load due to human activities disrupts ecological balance and contributes to water
pollution. Proper monitoring, management, and policy measures are essential to control the
impacts of organic load and ensure the health of aquatic ecosystems.
 BIOLOGICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD)

An Overview

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a key parameter for assessing water quality,
particularly in the context of organic pollution in aquatic environments. It measures the amount
of oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms to decompose organic matter in a water sample
over a specific period, typically five days at 20°C. High BOD levels indicate significant organic
pollution and low dissolved oxygen, which can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems.

Definition and Principle

BOD is defined as the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by microorganisms to break down
organic matter in water under aerobic conditions. It provides an indirect estimate of the organic
load in the water, as more organic matter leads to higher microbial activity and greater oxygen
consumption.

The principle behind BOD measurement relies on the activity of bacteria and other
microbes that utilize organic carbon as an energy source. These microorganisms consume
oxygen during the breakdown process, reducing the dissolved oxygen concentration in the water.

Importance of BOD in Water Quality Assessment

1. Indicator of Organic Pollution

o High BOD indicates a significant presence of organic pollutants, which can result
from sewage discharge, agricultural runoff, or industrial effluents.
2. Assessment of Wastewater Treatment Efficiency
o Monitoring BOD levels before and after treatment helps evaluate the performance
of wastewater treatment plants.
3. Environmental Impact Assessment
o BOD measurements help predict the ecological impact of effluent discharge on
natural water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.
4. Regulatory Compliance
o Environmental laws often set permissible BOD limits for industrial and municipal
discharges to protect aquatic ecosystems.
Factors Affecting BOD

1. Concentration of Organic Matter

o Higher concentrations of biodegradable organic matter increase BOD.
2. Presence of Microorganisms
o A sufficient microbial population is necessary for the decomposition of organic
matter.
3. Temperature
o Warmer temperatures enhance microbial activity, leading to higher oxygen
consumption and increased BOD.
4. Type of Organic Matter
o Readily biodegradable substances like sugars and proteins result in higher BOD
compared to complex or non-biodegradable materials.
5. Nutrients
o Availability of nitrogen and phosphorus can boost microbial growth and increase
BOD levels.

Measurement of BOD

The standard procedure for measuring BOD involves the following steps:

1. Sample Collection
o Water samples are collected in BOD bottles, ensuring no air bubbles are present.
2. Initial Oxygen Measurement
o Dissolved oxygen (DO) is measured in the sample using a DO meter or the
Winkler method.*
3. Incubation
o The sample is incubated at 20°C for five days in the dark to prevent
photosynthesis.
4. Final Oxygen Measurement
o After incubation, the DO is measured again.
o
 5. BOD Calculation
o BOD is calculated as the difference between the initial and final DO values:
o BOD (mg/L)=DO initial−DO final

BOD and Water Quality Standards

 Low BOD (< 3 mg/L): Indicates clean water with minimal organic pollution.
 Moderate BOD (3-5 mg/L): Suggests some organic pollution but not critical.
 High BOD (>5 mg/L): Indicates significant organic pollution, often associated with
sewage and industrial waste.

Aquatic ecosystems with BOD levels exceeding 10 mg/L are considered highly polluted and may
face severe oxygen depletion, impacting aquatic life.

Impacts of High BOD

1. Oxygen Depletion
o High BOD reduces dissolved oxygen levels, leading to hypoxic or anoxic
conditions, harmful to fish and other aquatic organisms.
2. Eutrophication
o Organic pollution often accompanies nutrient enrichment, causing algal blooms
and disrupting the balance of aquatic ecosystems.
3. Altered Ecosystem Dynamics
o Oxygen depletion favors anaerobic organisms, resulting in the production of toxic
gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide.
4. Economic Consequences
o Poor water quality impacts fisheries, tourism, and the availability of clean water
for domestic and industrial use.

Strategies for Reducing BOD

1. Wastewater Treatment
o Efficient treatment processes, such as aeration and biological treatment, reduce
organic pollutants.
 2. Industrial Effluent Control
o Pre-treatment of industrial discharges ensures compliance with BOD standards.
3. Reduction of Agricultural Runoff
o Implementing sustainable farming practices, like controlled fertilizer use and
buffer strips, reduces organic load in water bodies.
4. Public Awareness and Policy Enforcement
o Educating communities and enforcing environmental regulations help prevent
organic pollution.

Biological Oxygen Demand is a critical parameter for understanding and managing water
pollution. It reflects the health of aquatic systems and the effectiveness of pollution control
measures. By addressing the factors contributing to high BOD, we can protect water resources,
ensure sustainable ecosystem functioning, and support human and aquatic life. Understanding
and mitigating BOD is essential for maintaining water quality in a world facing increasing
environmental pressures.

*The Winkler method is a classical technique used to measure dissolved oxygen (DO) in water,
which is essential for assessing water quality and aquatic ecosystem health. It involves adding
reagents like manganese sulfate and alkaline iodide to a water sample, which react with oxygen
to form a precipitate. After acidification, iodine is released in proportion to the oxygen content,
and its concentration is determined by titration with sodium thiosulfate, providing an accurate
measure of dissolved oxygen.
 CHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (COD)

An Overview

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is a crucial water quality parameter that measures the
amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidize organic and inorganic substances in a water
sample. It is an indirect method to assess the level of pollutants, particularly organic matter,
present in wastewater, industrial effluents, and natural water bodies. COD is widely used because
it provides a quick and comprehensive estimate of pollution levels, helping in the management
and treatment of water resources.

Definition and Principle

COD is defined as the total amount of oxygen, expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/L), required
to oxidize both organic and inorganic pollutants in water using a strong oxidizing agent.
Potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) is commonly used as the oxidizing agent under acidic
conditions, as it can oxidize a wide range of organic compounds efficiently.

The test involves the chemical breakdown of pollutants, which mimics the natural oxidation
process that would occur in a water body. However, unlike Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD),
COD measures both biodegradable and non-biodegradable organic matter, making it a more
inclusive assessment of water pollution.

Importance of COD in Water Quality Assessment

1. Indicator of Pollution Levels

o COD provides a comprehensive measure of the pollution load in water, including
substances that may not be easily degraded biologically.
2. Rapid Assessment
o The COD test yields results in a few hours, unlike the BOD test, which requires a
5-day incubation period. This makes COD a preferred method for time-sensitive
applications.
 3. Industrial and Wastewater Monitoring
o COD is a key parameter for monitoring industrial effluents and the efficiency of
wastewater treatment processes.
4. Regulatory Compliance
o Environmental laws often set permissible COD limits for wastewater discharges
to protect water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
5. Predicting Environmental Impact
o COD values help estimate the potential oxygen depletion in water bodies, which
can adversely affect aquatic life and ecosystem health.

Factors Affecting COD

1. Nature of Pollutants
o The type and concentration of organic and inorganic substances significantly
influence COD values.
2. Oxidizing Agent and Reaction Conditions
o The efficiency of the oxidizing agent (e.g., potassium dichromate) and conditions
such as temperature and acidity determine the extent of chemical oxidation.
3. Presence of Reducing Substances
o Reducing agents like sulfides and chlorides can interfere with COD measurement,
leading to higher apparent values.

Procedure for Measuring COD

The standard procedure for COD measurement involves the following steps:

1. Sample Preparation
o A known volume of the water sample is taken in a flask.
2. Addition of Reagents
o Potassium dichromate is added as the oxidizing agent, and sulfuric acid is used to
create acidic conditions. Silver sulfate acts as a catalyst for oxidation.
3. Refluxing
o The mixture is heated under reflux for two hours to ensure complete oxidation of
organic and inorganic substances.
 4. Titration
o After cooling, the unreacted dichromate is titrated against ferrous ammonium
sulfate (FAS) to determine the amount of oxygen consumed.
5. Calculation
o COD is calculated using the difference between the initial and remaining
dichromate concentrations, expressed in mg/L:

COD and Water Quality Stardards

1. Low COD Values (0-50 mg/L):
Indicates good water quality, typically found in clean water bodies.
Suggests low levels of organic pollutants.

2. Moderate COD Values (50-250 mg/L):

May indicate moderate pollution, often seen in municipal wastewater or water bodies
affected by agricultural runoff. Further investigation may be needed to determine sources of
pollution.

3. High COD Values (250-1000 mg/L):

Suggests significant contamination from organic materials, such as domestic
sewage, industrial effluents, or agricultural runoff. This level often indicates that the
water body is not suitable for direct human consumption or aquatic life.
4. Very High COD Values (>1000 mg/L):
Indicates severely polluted water, typically from industrial discharges or untreated
sewage. Such water bodies may require extensive treatment before being safe for discharge or
reuse.
 Comparison Between COD and BOD

Aspect COD BOD

Measurement Chemical oxidation Biological degradation
Time Required A few hours 5 days
Pollutants Biodegradable and non- Only biodegradable
Covered biodegradable
Purpose Quick and inclusive pollution Long-term oxygen demand
measure estimation

Applications of COD

1. Wastewater Treatment
o Monitoring and optimizing treatment processes by tracking COD reduction.
2. Industrial Effluent Management
o Ensuring compliance with discharge standards by measuring COD levels in
effluents.
3. Environmental Monitoring
o Assessing the health of natural water bodies and the impact of pollution sources.
4. Pollution Control
o Identifying and mitigating the sources of organic and inorganic pollutants in
water.

Limitations of COD

1. Interference from Inorganic Substances

o Reducing agents like chloride can artificially elevate COD readings.
2. Inability to Differentiate Pollutant Types
o COD does not distinguish between biodegradable and non-biodegradable
pollutants.
3. Toxic Chemical Usage
o The method involves hazardous chemicals like potassium dichromate and
concentrated sulfuric acid, requiring careful handling and disposal.
 Chemical Oxygen Demand is a vital tool for assessing water quality, offering a rapid and
comprehensive estimate of pollution levels. By accounting for both organic and inorganic
substances, COD complements other parameters like BOD to provide a holistic view of water
pollution. Its applications in industrial monitoring, wastewater treatment, and regulatory
compliance make it indispensable for water quality management. However, its limitations
underline the need for careful interpretation and the use of complementary tests for a complete
understanding of water quality.

Mitigation Strategies for Organic Load

1. Wastewater Treatment
o Primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment processes remove organic pollutants
effectively.
2. Regulation of Agricultural Practices
o Use of controlled fertilization, vegetative buffer zones, and reduced use of organic
pesticides.
3. Industrial Effluent Management
o Pre-treatment of effluents before discharge into water bodies.
4. Public Awareness and Policy Implementation
o Enforcing pollution control laws and educating communities on the importance of
reducing organic waste.

Organic load plays a pivotal role in shaping water quality in aquatic systems. While a
certain amount of organic matter is necessary for the sustenance of aquatic food chains,
excessive organic load due to human activities disrupts ecological balance and contributes to
water pollution. Proper monitoring, management, and policy measures are essential to control the
impacts of organic load and ensure the health of aquatic ecosystems.