At what temperature should an incubator for the B.O.D. test be controlled?

The correct temperature for an incubator used in the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (B.O.D.) test is 20⁰C. This standard temperature is essential for ensuring accurate and consistent results when measuring the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms in a wastewater sample over a specified time period, typically five days.

Astronomically, incubating at 20⁰C aligns with the conditions for which the B.O.D. test was originally developed, allowing for the optimal growth of the microbial population that carries out the biochemical reactions being measured. Maintaining this temperature helps to minimize variability in microbial activity and ensures that the results are comparable to established norms.

Parameters such as the growth rate of microorganisms and their oxygen demands can differ at temperatures outside of this standard, potentially leading to inaccurate readings and misrepresentations of the sample's actual B.O.D. value. Therefore, controlling the incubator at 20⁰C is critical for the reliability of the test results.