Water quality instruments are automated devices that continuously monitor Chemical Oxygen Demand (CODmn), a measure of organic pollution in water. They use advanced techniques like UV absorption or laser spectroscopy to estimate CODmn, providing real-time data for industrial or environmental monitoring.
These instruments are precise and reduce manual labor, making them suitable for settings like wastewater treatment plants. However, they are costly and require regular maintenance.
For example, the COD analyzer by PROBEST offers constant online measurement, supporting wastewater treatment monitoring.
How Do Colorimetric and Titration Methods Measure CODmn?
Colorimetric Method: This involves reacting a water sample with potassium permanganate (KMnO4). After the reaction, the color intensity of the remaining KMnO4 is measured using a spectrophotometer, determining the CODmn from the color change. It's simple and quick but can be less accurate due to interference from the sample's color or turbidity, as noted in a study using N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine for measurement.
Titration Method: Here, the water sample is reacted with KMnO4, and the remaining KMnO4 is titrated with a standard reducing agent, like sodium oxalate, to calculate the amount consumed, reflecting CODmn. This method is highly precise but time-consuming and requires skilled operators, as described in standard methods.
What Are the Differences Between These Methods?
These methods differ in automation, precision, speed, and suitable scenarios:
Automation vs. Manual Operation: Water quality instruments are automated, ideal for continuous monitoring, while colorimetric and titration methods are manual, requiring laboratory setup.
Precision: Titration offers the highest precision, water quality instruments provide good accuracy depending on technology, and colorimetric is less precise due to potential interferences.
Speed: Instruments deliver the fastest results, colorimetric is quicker than titration but still needs preparation, and titration is the slowest.
Suitable Scenarios: Instruments are best for real-time industrial or environmental monitoring, colorimetric suits routine lab testing where speed matters, and titration is used in research or regulatory compliance needing high precision.