Organic load is one of the most important parameters for discharge control of municipal and industrial wastewater. Permissible limits are guided through regulations and must be monitored accordingly. However, further opportunity to optimize plant performance exists by monitoring organic loading in upstream treatment processes.
The use of on-line controls allows limit values to be adhered to, products to be saved, and plants to be protected against unforeseen events. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) is the most suitable parameter to measure organic load. The use of TOC analysis offers shorter measuring cycles without hazardous waste and is better suited for on-line analysis compared to conventional methods such as COD or BOD.