Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) of wastewater discharged from Australian Antarctic Stations

INDICATOR DEFINITIONThis indicator is an estimate of the biological oxygen demand (BOD) of effluent discharged into the ocean from the waste treatment plants (WTP) at each continental station. It is tested monthly and reported in the station plumbers' reports to the Building Services Supervisor in Kingston.TYPE OF INDICATORThere are three types of indicators used in this report:1.Describes the CONDITION of important elements of a system;2.Show the extent of the major PRESSURES exerted on a system;3.Determine RESPONSES to either condition or changes in the condition of a system.This indicator is one of: PRESSURERATIONALE FOR INDICATOR SELECTIONThe stations produce liquid waste, comprising human waste, waste from kitchens and bathrooms, and limited volumes from workshops (contamination of the latter is usually minimal as it is cleaned of oil before discharge into the sewage system). This is treated in the waste treatment plants.BOD measurements are an indication of the efficiency of the WTP in destroying microorganisms and of the numbers of live microorganisms being released into the ocean as a result of human occupation.DESIGN AND STRATEGY FOR INDICATOR MONITORING PROGRAMSpatial scale: Australian Antarctic continental stations and Macquarie Island station.Frequency: Monthly reportsMeasurement technique: Samples are tested using the Oxitop Control method.Station doctors are trained in the Oxitop control method before departure for Antarctica. The Laboratory Manager, Australian Antarctic Division, Kingston, interprets results. Samples are collected, analysed, interpreted and reported monthly.Waste at Casey is also UV treated before being discharged into the environment. The data given for Casey station are readings after UV treatment.RESEARCH ISSUESThe following would increase knowledge of the potential impacts of the discharge of the wastewater:Winter and summer values will also be compared to detect any effects resulting from smaller winter populations, and higher summer populations.More accurate microbiological tests.Chemical analysis of effluent for phosphate and other nutrients. This would indicate the extent of enrichment that may occur in the adjacent oceans, and allow feedback for example on the types of washing detergent supplied at stations.LINKS TO OTHER INDICATORSSOE Indicator 48 - Station and ship person daysSOE Indicator 50 - Volume of wastewater discharged from Australian Antarctic StationsSOE Indicator 52 - Suspended solids (SS) content of wastewater discharged from Australian Antarctic Stations