Oxygen demand polymers

Because of the processes carried out in the plant, the expected compounds in wastewater are formaldehyde, urea, and polymers of these compounds. The global effluent of this kind of factory is characterized by a high chemical oxygen demand (COD) (due mainly to formaldehyde), relatively high values of nitrogen (arising from urea and copolymers) and a low content of phosphorus and inorganic carbon. The main characteristics of the effluent of a resin factory are showed in Table 19.1. 

Measurements Biochemical oxygen demand, substrate depletion, carbon dioxide generation, biomass estimate, properties of the polymer. 

To quantitatively assess the degree of biodegradation, analytical techniques are needed for all of the reactants and products the polymer oxv gen uptake, known as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and the residue. The more rigorous the analysis, the more reliable the measurement of the extent of biodegradation, and, of course the acceptability of the data and the conclusions drawn therefrom. For total biodegradation, there should be no residue remaining in the environment. 

Szaraz L., Beczner J, Kayser G. Investigation of the biodegradability of water-insoluble materials in a sohd test based on the adaption of a biological oxygen demand measuring system, Polym. Deg Stab. 81 (2003)477. 

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