Chemical Oxygen Demand Calculator | COD Calculator
Formula for the “Chemical Oxygen Demand Calculator | COD Calculator”
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is typically calculated using the formula:
COD (mg/L) = ((A - B) × N × 8000) / V
Where:
- A = Volume of titrant used for blank (mL)
- B = Volume of titrant used for sample (mL)
- N = Normality of titrant (typically Ferrous Ammonium Sulfate)
- 8000 = Milliequivalent weight of oxygen × 1000 (as per standard method)
- Sample Volume = Volume of sample taken for digestion (in mL)
Table of Contents
What is Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)?
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) shows the amount of oxygen needed to break down organic matter in water. In textile factories, COD helps test water pollution. COD is important in checking the wastewater from dyeing, washing, and finishing. Factories must treat water before releasing it into rivers or drains. COD shows if the water has too many harmful chemicals.

Why COD Is Important in the Textile Industry
Textile mills use many chemicals in production. These chemicals enter water during washing and dyeing. COD measures how much oxygen the water will need to clean this chemical load. High COD means the water is too polluted. Low COD means the water is safer. Governments check COD levels before allowing water discharge. So, every factory must measure COD.
Real Use Case from a Textile Engineer
As a textile engineer, I worked in an effluent treatment plant (ETP). Every day, we tested the water sample. We used standard COD test methods. If the COD was too high, we adjusted the chemical dose in the treatment tanks. We also made sure our machine operators handled dyes properly. Even small chemical spills increased COD. With daily COD monitoring, we reduced our water pollution and saved treatment costs.
What is a COD Calculator?
A COD Calculator helps you calculate the COD of a water sample. You just need to enter the correct values. The tool will give you the result in mg/L. This calculator uses the standard formula:
COD (mg/L) = ((A - B) × N × 8000) / V
Where:
- A = Volume of titrant for blank (mL)
- B = Volume of titrant for sample (mL)
- N = Normality of titrant
- V = Volume of water sample (mL)
This formula is used in most textile labs. It is easy and effective.
How to Use the Chemical Oxygen Demand Calculator
You can use the COD Calculator in 4 simple steps:
Step 1 – Collect Water Sample
Take 10 mL to 50 mL of water from the treatment line or drain. Use a clean glass bottle. Make sure the sample has no air bubbles.
Step 2 – Perform Titration
Do the COD test in the lab. You will use potassium dichromate and ferrous ammonium sulfate (FAS). Measure A and B values during titration. Record them in milliliters.
Step 3 – Input Data into the Calculator
Open the COD Calculator on your device. Enter the values of A, B, N, and V into the fields. Keep default values if you are testing.
Step 4 – Get the Result
Click the Calculate button. The calculator will show the COD value in mg/L. If the value is too high, your treatment process needs improvement.
Benefits of Using the COD Calculator
Quick Result
The calculator gives fast results. You don’t need to calculate by hand.
Accurate Calculation
The formula used is accurate and tested. It removes manual error.
Easy to Use
Anyone in your ETP team can use it. No coding or high-level math is needed.
Cost Saving
Faster COD checks help reduce chemical waste. It also saves on lab time and labor.
Tips for Maintaining Low COD in Textile Effluent
Use Less Water in the Process
Try low-liquor ratio dyeing machines. They use less water and reduce COD.
Train Machine Operators
Untrained workers waste more dyes and chemicals. More waste means high COD.
Monitor Water Daily
Check COD levels every shift. This helps take action fast before COD rises.
Keep Records
Save COD results with time and date. This helps during audits and lab tests.
Final Thoughts
In textile production, COD is a must-check parameter. It helps control pollution. The COD Calculator makes this easier. I use it daily in my plant. It saves time and ensures compliance. You can also add it to your SOP (Standard Operating Procedure). Whether you are in dyeing, washing, or printing, COD data will help you reduce waste and stay within limits.