Research Respirometer Equipment for Measuring Oxygen Uptake Rates and Short-Term BOD - Waste and Recycling - Composting

Measurement of oxygen uptake rates in activated sludge processes is essential to their satisfactory operation. Traditionally, oxygen uptake rates (OUR) have been determined by using a dissolved oxygen probe to measure the change in dissolved oxygen in a BOD bottle. While this method is rapid, it provides only a snapshot of the pattern of oxygen uptake in a treatment plant. Much more can be learned about the operation of a treatment plant by measuring the oxygen uptake rate over a period ranging from one to four hours after adding waste to the mixed liquor. The resulting pattern of oxygen uptake rate can be used to assess biodegradation patterns, to determine the impact of various wastes on treatment plant performance, and to provide a short-term measure of BOD.