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

Abstract

Numbers of parameter are referenced to determine the characteristics of wastewater. Biodegradability and toxicity are determined based on the biological oxygen demand (BOD) to chemical oxygen demand (COD) ratio. Contaminant monitoring in wastewater is an important consideration in choosing among alternative waste management systems. Information relating to wastewater parameters can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). This research focused on identifying parameter 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 wastewater from two faculties or Department in the University of XYZ the Faculty of Agricultural Technology and the Faculty of Pharmacy, was carried out using a grab sampling method. The wastewater quality parameters of temperature, pH, turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), COD, BOD, and heavy metals were observed and the results obtained were compared with quality standards contained in Regulation of Environment and Forestry Ministry No. 5, 2014. Wastewater characterisation was then identified based on the results of BOD/COD calculations. The results showed that the quality parameters of pH, BOD, COD, TSS and total dissolved solids (TDS) in laboratory wastewater exceeded the quality standards set. The BOD/COD ratio of wastewater taken from the laboratory of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology was 0.3 and for the Pharmacy Faculty was 0.4, indicating that both were biodegradable. The wastewater treatment recommendation 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 treatment plant (WWTP) at the University of XYZ which would meet both aesthetic and environmental requirements.