COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand)
COD, or Chemical Oxygen Demand, is a key measurement used in water quality testing and wastewater treatment. It helps determine how clean or polluted water is by measuring how much oxygen is needed to break down organic materials in the water. Think of it like a report card for water quality - the lower the COD number, the cleaner the water. Water quality professionals use this measurement regularly to make sure water treatment plants are working properly and to check if water meets environmental standards. You might see this term used alongside other water quality tests like BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) or TSS (Total Suspended Solids).
Examples in Resumes
Monitored and analyzed COD levels in municipal wastewater treatment facility
Reduced Chemical Oxygen Demand levels by 40% through process optimization
Performed daily COD testing to ensure compliance with EPA standards
Typical job title: "Water Quality Analysts"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Water Quality Analysts
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement process changes to reduce COD levels in a treatment facility?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss analyzing current treatment processes, identifying inefficiencies, suggesting specific improvements like adjusting aeration rates or chemical dosing, and implementing monitoring systems to track effectiveness.
Q: How do you handle non-compliance situations with COD regulations?
Expected Answer: Should explain the steps of investigating cause, implementing immediate corrective actions, documenting incidents, communicating with regulatory agencies, and developing prevention strategies.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors can affect COD test results?
Expected Answer: Should mention sample collection methods, storage conditions, temperature effects, proper testing procedures, and potential interference from other chemicals.
Q: How do you ensure quality control in COD testing?
Expected Answer: Should discuss calibration procedures, running blank samples, duplicate testing, maintaining proper documentation, and following standard methods.
Junior Level Questions
Q: Explain the basic procedure for conducting a COD test.
Expected Answer: Should describe sample collection, basic testing steps, safety precautions, and proper recording of results.
Q: What's the difference between COD and BOD?
Expected Answer: Should explain that COD measures chemical breakdown of pollutants while BOD measures biological breakdown, and COD testing is faster but less specific.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic water sampling techniques
- Standard COD testing procedures
- Data recording and documentation
- Basic laboratory safety practices
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced testing methods
- Quality control procedures
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Troubleshooting equipment issues
Senior (5+ years)
- Process optimization
- Regulatory compliance management
- Staff training and supervision
- Project management
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unfamiliarity with basic laboratory safety protocols
- Inability to explain simple testing procedures
- No knowledge of environmental regulations
- Poor understanding of quality control importance
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Global Compliance Checks: The Hidden Puzzle Pieces of Background Screening Revealed
Cracking the Code: Real Strategies to Diversify Tech Hiring
Automated Scorecards in ATS Systems: Your Secret Weapon for Smarter Hiring Decisions
