What characteristic falls under the chemical category of wastewater analysis?

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is a significant measurement in the chemical analysis of wastewater. It quantifies the amount of oxygen that is required to oxidize organic and inorganic matter in a water sample. COD is an important indicator of water quality because it helps to assess the extent of pollution and the potential impact on the environment. High COD values suggest a high level of pollutants, which can lead to oxygen depletion in receiving water bodies, affecting aquatic life. This characteristic directly reflects the chemical composition and reactive nature of the wastewater.

While color, odor, and turbidity can provide important information about the physical and sensory characteristics of wastewater, they do not directly measure chemical content or the degree of pollution in the same way that COD does. Color and odor can be influenced by various factors beyond just chemical compositions, and turbidity is primarily a physical characteristic related to the presence of suspended solids rather than specific chemical analysis. Therefore, Chemical Oxygen Demand clearly represents the chemical category within wastewater analysis, focusing on the biochemical and chemical properties that can indicate the load of pollutants present.