This is total BS.  The BOD test is inaccurate (15% variability according to Standard Methods).  Plus it can be spoofed deliberately or accidentally by introduction of non-acclimated bacteria and a host of other variables.  Furthermore it is useless as a control parameter because you get the results of what you did 5 days ago, and your corrections to operations are taking a stab into the unknown. If you want to control your operations, use COD.  Sure, you can develop a relationship between COD and BOD or use published figures with reasonable accuracy.  But don't try and use BOD as a control parameter. It might also be interesting to look up the history of BOD5.  It was, as rumor has it, developed in England where the rivers take less than 5 days to flow into the sea.

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This is total BS.  The BOD test is inaccurate (15% variability according to Standard Methods).  Plus it can be spoofed deliberately or accidentally by introduction of non-acclimated bacteria and a host of other variables.  Furthermore it is useless as a control parameter because you get the results of what you did 5 days ago, and your corrections to operations are taking a stab into the unknown.

If you want to control your operations, use COD.  Sure, you can develop a relationship between COD and BOD or use published figures with reasonable accuracy.  But don't try and use BOD as a control parameter. It might also be interesting to look up the history of BOD5.  It was, as rumor has it, developed in England where the rivers take less than 5 days to flow into the sea.