The Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) of a Body of Water

Question

The chemical oxygen demand (COD) of a body of water is determined using a(n)
A) microelectrode.
B) oxygenator.
C) spectrophotometer to determine the OD₅₄₀nm.
D) strong oxidizing agent.

Accepted Answer

The chemical oxygen demand (COD) of a body of water is determined using a strong oxidizing agent such as potassium dichromate. The amount of oxygen consumed during the oxidation of the organic matter in the sample is measured and used to calculate the COD.