Three-step measurement by the Sapromat to evaluate the BOD5, the mineral imbalance and the toxicity of water samples

BOD₅-data obtained by analyzing wastewater samples, both by means of the dilution method and by means of the Sapromat technique, correlated satisfactorily (r = 0·98). However, the Sapromat technique turned out to be susceptible to certain disturbances as e.g. variability of initial microbial inoculum, lack of essential mineral nutrients and presence of toxic compounds. Therefore, a simple three-step Sapromat method is proposed. This method enables one to measure the BOD₅ and to calculate the biodegradation rate. In addition, it also allows to evaluate the possible mineral imbalance, the toxicity and/or the susceptibility to co-oxidation of the wastewater sample.