Wastewater parameters

COD, BOD5, SS, Pt, NH4, NO3, NO2, pH, temperature, alkalinity

Wastewater parameters are used to determine the degree of water pollution. Pollution refers to any alteration of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of water, which is then called wastewater. This water, usually created due to human activities, must be cleaned after use to prevent pollution of lakes, groundwater, rivers, and oceans. All these pollutants are undesirable chemicals or materials that contaminate air, soil, and water.

Every day, in all wastewater treatment plants, thousands of people perform analyses on wastewater parameters. These are indicators of water pollution and are used particularly to ensure compliance of wastewater with local standards.

Parameters to Analyze in Wastewater

wastewater parameters laboratory analysis 1h2o3

Objectives of Water Analysis

The analysis of wastewater parameters allows verification that the objectives sought by water treatment are achieved:

  • Recycle and Recover Valuable Elements from Wastewater
  • Protect the ecological health of the receiving environment
  • Protecting the public health of populations that come into contact with effluents

Wastewater analysis allows, among other things:

  • To design and size appropriate wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) to comply with discharge standards
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment processes at WWTPs
  • To study and design facilities for the reuse of treated wastewater.
  • To evaluate the environmental impact
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What is Wastewater?

The term ‘wastewater’ encompasses rainwater and water used for various purposes by the population, whether for residential or industrial use. This wastewater is primarily composed of water and contains elements that, due to their concentration, can harm the environment.

Generally, it refers to water used for laundry, bathing, dishwashing, toilets… Moreover, sewage systems also collect industrial wastewater, which has very specific characteristics. Finally, these networks also collect rainwater that has been loaded with pollutants during runoff (cigarette butts, plastics, hydrocarbons…) as it flows into oceans, lakes, and rivers.

To deepen your knowledge, you can consult the following chapters concerning wastewater parameters:

wastewater parameters wastewater discharge 1h2o3

FAQ

What are the main parameters to be analysed in wastewater?

Parameters to be analyzed in wastewater include:

  • COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand),
  • BOD5 (5-Day Biological Oxygen Demand),
  • suspended solids (suspended solids),
  • pH, temperature,
  • nutrients such as nitrogen (NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻) and phosphorus (PO₄³⁻), and pathogens or heavy metals as the case may be.

These indicators make it possible to assess the level of pollution, to adapt the treatment, and to verify compliance with discharge standards.

The analysis makes it possible to:

  • know the exact composition of the effluents,

  • correctly size a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP),

  • monitor the effectiveness of the treatments applied,

  • reduce the environmental impact of discharges,

and comply with local or European regulatory standards.
 It is an essential tool for guaranteeing public health and the protection of the natural environment.

  • Domestic wastewater : from everyday life (kitchen, shower, toilet, etc.).
  • Industrial water : generated by industrial processes, often more loaded with specific pollutants (oils, solvents, metals).
  • Rainwater : rainwater runoff, often contaminated by urban waste (plastics, hydrocarbons).

Each of these waters requires specific treatment and appropriate monitoring.

In the REUT (Reuse of Treated Wastewater), analyses are essential to check that the water is sufficiently purified before being reused. In particular, the organic load, turbidity, pathogens and chemical residues. These data ensure the safety of uses (irrigation, urban cleaning, industry) and compliance with strict health standards.

Discharge standards vary according to the country, the type of effluent (domestic, industrial) and the receiving environment (river, sea, water table). In France, they are set by prefectural decrees and may include limit thresholds for:

  • BOD5 (e.g., < 25 mg/L),
  • TSS (e.g., < 35 mg/L),
  • total nitrogen,
  • phosphorus
  • pH, etc.
     Complying with these standards is mandatory to avoid penalties and protect the environment.

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