BOD determination

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a key parameter for assessing biodegradable organic pollution in a water sample. It measures the amount of oxygen (in mg/L) consumed by aerobic microorganisms to break down organic matter present in an effluent, wastewater, or natural environment.

The standard test, carried out over 5 days at 20°C (BOD₅) , is a fundamental indicator of water quality and the pollutant load of discharges . It allows, in particular, the evaluation of the effectiveness of biological treatments in wastewater treatment plants and industrial processes .

Analytical method: standardized respirometry

BOD measurement is based on a respirometric method , which measures the consumption of dissolved oxygen by microorganisms during the degradation of organic matter.

This method can be carried out using the following devices:

• Manometric : records the pressure related to oxygen consumption.
• Electrochemical : direct measurement of dissolved oxygen by optical or polarographic probe.
• Automated (BODTrak, OxiTop) : suitable for laboratories for continuous and reproducible monitoring.

The protocols follow the standards NF EN 1899-1 / NF EN 1899-2 , guaranteeing the reliability and comparability of the results.

Environmental and industrial applications

BOD measurement is essential in many contexts:

• Wastewater monitoring : assessment of organic load before discharge into the natural environment.
• Monitoring of industrial effluents : control of water from agri-food, chemical or paper processes.
• Wastewater treatment plant management : measuring the effectiveness of biological treatment.
• Environmental studies : estimation of the biological oxidation potential of aquatic environments.

This analysis is often carried out in addition to the measurement of COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and total organic carbon (TOC) for a complete characterization of organic pollution.

Affected matrices

Our partner laboratories perform BOD analysis on several types of matrices:

• Domestic and industrial wastewater
• Surface and groundwater
• Agricultural or agri-food effluents
• Leachate and sludge (on specific request)

Each protocol is adapted to the type of effluent and the expected level of pollution , guaranteeing the accuracy and reproducibility of the measurements.

YesWeLab expertise

At YesWeLab , we work with a network of over 200 partner laboratories in France, Europe and internationally , rigorously selected for their environmental expertise , state-of-the-art equipment and ISO 17025 and COFRAC accreditations .

Our scientific team assists you in choosing the analytical method , selecting the specialized laboratory , and tracking your samples via our digital platform . This platform allows you to centralize your requests , obtain quick quotes , and monitor your analyses in real time .

Since 2020, many industrial companies, local authorities and engineering firms have trusted us to ensure the environmental monitoring of their effluents and guarantee their regulatory compliance .

Order a BOD analysis

Do you want to assess the biodegradability of your effluents or verify the compliance of your discharges ?
Submit your request via our platform or contact our scientific team for personalized support .

→ Add to quote now to get a quick and accurate quote.