5.1 These test methods are used to chemically determine the maximum quantity of oxygen that could be consumed by biological or natural chemical processes due to impurities in water. Typically this measurement is used to monitor and control oxygen-consuming pollutants, both inorganic and organic, in domestic and industrial wastewaters.

5.2 The relationship of COD to other water quality parameters such as TOC and TOD is described in the literature.3

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the quantity of oxygen that certain impurities in water will consume, based on the reduction of a dichromate solution under specified conditions. The following test methods are included:

  Test Method A — Macro COD by Reflux Digestion and Titration

  Test Method B — Micro COD by Sealed Digestion and Spectrometry

1.2 These test methods are limited by the reagents employed to a maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 800 mg/L. Samples with higher COD concentrations may be processed by appropriate dilution of the sample. Modified procedures in each test method (Section 15 for Test Method A, and Section 24 for Test Method B) may be used for waters of low COD content (<50 mg/L).

1.3 As a general rule, COD results are not accurate if the sample contains more than 1000 mg/L Cl⁻. Consequently, these test methods should not be applied to samples such as seawaters and brines unless the samples are pretreated as described in Appendix X1.

1.4 This test method was used successfully on a standard made up in reagent water. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure the validity of these test methods for waters of untested matrices.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 8, 15.6, and 24.5.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.