Automated BOD analysis

Incubation tracking

LIMS Integration

Automated BOD Measurement

Mantech BOD systems automate the 5-day and 7-day BOD and CBOD standard analysis methods using up to five pumps for reagent addition. Automated DO probe calibrations and calibration checks are performed either on the rack or at a separate side position, with automated recalibration and re-reading of previous samples when required. The systems also feature the option to perform automated dechlorination.

The BOD measurement systems conform to ASTM Standard Methods 5210B 23rd Edition, ISO EN 5815, ISO EN 1899-1, -2 and are available with AM400 series autosamplers or the AM430 series for labs with limited space. Both feature robust robotics, a single anchor point to prevent binding and sealed, self-lubricating axes that do not trap dust or debris and require no maintenance.

Management and prioritisation of samples during BOD analysis is simple and the systems feature a customisable user interface to simplify operation whilst results are quickly identified with barcoded labels.

Mantech BOD systems feature auto-populating data entry with YSI meter integration. They perform all calculations with 5 and 7 day tracking incorporating email reminders and the option to add a multi-position autosampler.

Intuitive Software

The BOD Pro software runs concurrently with all security and operating system updates turned on. Individual account login in credentials mean that administrators can customize permissions for each user’s ability to access and edit software functionality and tag a single analyst to each run reports for enhanced auditing.

If integrated directly with the YSI Multi-Lab 4010-W series DO meters the BOD Pro software auto populates dissolved oxygen (DO) readings to the run table. Alternatively manual data entry is available for customers with alternative meters.

BOD Pro™ Software

Dual Probe Automated BOD and Sample Transfer

AM403 System with 12 position BOD racks

Installed at a commercial laboratory this system features:

• Custom rack built for 1 litre field bottles
• Automate sample transfer to free up analysts’ time from pipetting sample volumes manually
• Dual probes to speed up analysis time per sample

Equipment Preparation

To start, the analyst makes dilution water by mixing nutrients and deionized (DI) water. Next, the analyst calibrates the DO meter and probe using a 300mL bottle filled with DI water.

With BOD Pro software, Mantech’s BOD Pro analyzer performs automatic calibrations of the DO meter and probe before it measures initial and final DO readings.

Sample Preparation and Transfer to Dilution Bottles

Then, the analyst tests the temperature, pH and chlorine of each sample before BOD analysis. If sample pH is between 6 and 8, the analyst adjusts the pH to between 7 and 7.2 using either 1N sulfuric acid or 1N sodium hydroxide. Since chlorine can interfere with BOD results, the analyst dechlorinates any sample with residual chlorine. Sodium sulfite is typically used for this. After, the analyst aliquots the sample into dilution bottles at different volumes.

Mantech’s sample transfer analyzer measures pH and chlorine, adjusting the samples as needed using intelligent pumps that deliver the necessary reagents. Next, this analyzer accurately aliquots the samples in volumes determined by the analyst beforehand. Typically, cleaner samples like effluent need more sample volume compared to dirtier samples like influent or industrial samples.

Bottle Preparation for Initials

Afterwards, the analyst prepares bottles for blanks, seed control and GGA standards (QC standards). They also prepare bottles by adding dilution water, seed and/or inhibitor to the sample volumes they aliquoted earlier. Samples that are not strong enough to deplete themselves (i.e. clean effluents) may require seed addition. If performing Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand (CBOD), the analyst will add a nitrification inhibitor.

Utilizing intelligent pumps which communicate bi-directionally with BOD Pro software, the BOD Pro analyzer adds dilution water, seed and/or inhibitor to BOD bottles according to what is indicated in the run (whether seed is needed and/or if performing CBOD) that was set up in the software.

DO Readings and Incubation

Once all the bottles are prepared, the analyst measures and records the initial DO of the samples. Next, the analyst places the sample racks into the incubator for 5 days. After 5 days of incubation, the analyst measures and records the final DO of the samples.

Mantech’s BOD Pro analyzer automates initial and final DO readings, recording the data into BOD Pro software. BOD Pro provides accurate DO measurements via its proprietary delta mg/L O2/delta time user defined stability criteria. The software also tracks the incubation period so when it’s time to read finals, the run is already waiting to be queued up in the home screen.

Calculations and QC Checks

Lastly, the analyst performs BOD calculations, QC checks and records the data in a final report. The analyst will also make note of any QC issues.

BOD Pro software performs BOD calculations, checks QC and generates a final report. The software flags any QC issues in the report using short abbreviations for analysts to easily reference.

Reports and Calculations

Using customisable report templates you can add and rearrange data columns to suit your needs. You can search for past reports by run, name, date, sample ID and/or sample name. Reports can be saved as a CSV or PDF file allowing for easy exporting and/or printing. BOD Pro software performs calculations based on standard analysis methods.

Incubation Tracking

BOD Pro software tracks 5 or 7 day incubation periods. Color-coding creates easy viewing of finals upcoming, due or overdue.

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