If the influent flow is 6.5 MGD and the BOD concentration is 176 mg/L, what is the organic loading rate when using one tank?

To determine the organic loading rate, it is essential to understand how to convert the flow and BOD concentration into the appropriate units. The organic loading rate is typically expressed in pounds of BOD per 1,000 cubic feet of tank volume per day.

First, calculate the total BOD loading in pounds per day using the formula:

Total BOD loading (lbs/day) = Influent flow (MGD) × BOD concentration (mg/L) × Conversion factor

The conversion factor to convert mg/L to pounds per million gallons is 8.34. Thus, the calculation becomes:

Total BOD loading = 6.5 MGD × 176 mg/L × 8.34 lbs/million gallons per mg/L

Performing this calculation gives:

Total BOD loading = 6.5 x 176 x 8.34 = 0.5 x 176 x 8.34 = 1,177.42 lbs/day

Now, to find the organic loading rate per 1,000 cubic feet of tank volume, you need to know the tank volume in cubic feet. If we're assuming one tank with a typical volume, let's say the tank holds 1000 cubic feet. The organic loading