What is the standard incubation temperature for BOD testing?

The standard incubation temperature for BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) testing is 20 +/- 1 degree Celsius because this temperature reflects a condition that is representative of environmental conditions in which decomposing organic matter typically occurs. Maintaining this specific range ensures that the microbial activity and the subsequent oxygen consumption measured during the test are consistent and comparable across different samples and laboratories.

Using this standardized temperature allows for repeatability and reliability in BOD results, as microbial activity can increase or decrease significantly with temperature variations outside of this range. This standardization is essential for regulatory compliance and for monitoring water quality, as BOD levels can provide insight into the organic pollution load in wastewater. Therefore, the choice of 20 +/- 1 degree Celsius as the incubation temperature is integral to achieving valid and useful data in wastewater analysis.