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Biochemical Oxygen Demand of Agricultural Runoff¹

ABSTRACT

Using an electrolytic respirometer, agricultural runoff from seven crop and tillage practices were studied to determine the 5-d biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅). Mean BOD₅ concentrations for the practices ranged from 10 to 25 mg O₂ L^–1 as compared to 4 to 56 mg O₂ L^–1 for individual storm events. In general, there was no difference in BOD₅ concentrations between conventional and no-till practices. Biochemical oxygen demand-time relationships were found to best fit a first-order reaction equation. The aqueous phase was the dominant source of BOD₅, amounting to 64 ± 17% (1 SD) of the total BOD₅ in runoff from notill soybeans, double-cropped with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, additional data indicate that conventional tillage practices, producing higher sediment concentrations, may result in a greater proportion of the BOD associated with the sediment phase.

Key Words: water quality • first-order reaction • reaction rate constant • lag phase • suspended sediment

¹ Contribution from the USDA-ARS, USDA Sedimentation Laboratory, Oxford, MS 38655.

² Soil Scientist and Chemist, respectively.

Received for publication November 28, 1985.