Characterisation of Laboratory Wastewater for Planning Wastewater Treatment Plants in a University Campus in Indonesia

Abstract

Numbers of parameters are referenced to determine the characteristics of wastewater. Biodegradability andtoxicity are determined based on the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) to chemical oxygen demand (COD)ratio. Contaminant monitoring in wastewater is an important consideration in choosing among alternativewaste management systems. Information relating to wastewater parameters can be used to improve theefficiency and effectiveness of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). This research focused on identifyingparameter conditions and classifying the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) to chemical oxygen demand(COD) ratio of laboratory wastewater at the University of XYZ, Indonesia. Sampling of laboratory wastewaterfrom two faculties or Department in the University of XYZ the Faculty of Agricultural Technology and theFaculty of Pharmacy, was carried out using a grab sampling method. The wastewater quality parametersof temperature, pH, turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), COD, BOD, and heavy metals were observedand the results obtained were compared with quality standards contained in Regulation of Environmentand Forestry Ministry No. 5, 2014. Wastewater characterisation was then identified based on the results ofBOD/COD calculations. The results showed that the quality parameters of pH, BOD, COD, TSS and totaldissolved solids (TDS) in laboratory wastewater exceeded the quality standards set. The BOD/COD ratioof wastewater taken from the laboratory of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology was 0.3 and for thePharmacy Faculty was 0.4, indicating that both were biodegradable. The wastewater treatmentrecommendation was a combination of physical (biofilter) and biological (phytoremediation) methods.The results of this investigation were used as considerations for the construction of a wastewater treatmentplant (WWTP) at the University of XYZ which would meet both aesthetic and environmental requirements.