EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND OF SEWAGE IN INDIA

Abstract

The present investigation on the tEffect of Temperature on Biochemical Oxygen Demand of Sewage in India' was undertaken in April, 1963 under the guidance of Dr. S.K. Mukherjee and was completed in October, 1963. In a previous work done in America, a kinetic study on Bioo. chemical Oxidation of Sewage was carried out by Gotaas (1948). A need for a systematic study of kinetics of BOD reaction under Indian conditions was felt, and a general scheme was prepared to make a detailed investigation on the influence of temperature and period of incubation on the nature of BOD exertion of sewage. A knowledge of progressive utilization of oxygen by pollut-ing substances that are undergoing decomposition is of prime importance for the following reasons: (i) as a measure of the amount of the oxidizable matter contained in water or the pollutional load placed upon its (ii) as a means for predicting the progress of aerobic decomposition in polluted water and the degree of self-purification accomplished in given intervals of time, and (iii) as a measure of the removal of putrescible matter which accompanies treatment processes. Thus one of the main problems requiring thorough attention, for the practical use and Pammigimene application of BOD test, is the proper relationship of conditions for the BOD determination of the wastes to the conditions for oxygen depletion. of the receiving waters.