A GUIDE TO
MARINE SEWAGE
EFFLUENT TESTING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
Introduction: Sewage Effluent Testing........................1
Chapter 1: Terminology & Definitions........................2
Chapter 2: Why Test Sewage Effluents.......................4
Chapter 3: Effluent Testing Legislation.......................7
Chapter 4: Quick Guide To The Required Testing.......10
Chapter 5: Sewage Effluent Test Kits........................14
Chapter 6: Martek Sewage Effluent Test Kit.............16
Chapter 7: About Martek Marine..............................19
0
INTRODUCTION
TO MARINE SEWAGE
EFFLUENT TESTING
INTRODUCING MARINE SEWAGE
EFFLUENT TESTING
Marine pollution from sewage has always been one of the world’s most prominent
ecological problems – in fact, reducing it was the first ever environmental initiative
and was led by the IMO. New technology and regulations have been developing for
over a century and will continue to do so in the future.
Without comprehensive checks, sewage effluent can have catastrophic effects on the
environment and the well-being of both human and aquatic life.
• Sewage effluent which is discharged at an incorrect standard in coastal
areas uses up valuable oxygen in the water as it disintegrates, it can result
in the suffocation of fish, coral, seaweed and micro-organisms essential to
the ecosystem
• If you carry out regular tests of your vessel’s sewage, you can identify issues
much earlier and correct them with minimum difficulty. This is much more
efficient than waiting until a problem develops as this may result in your
system being out of action while it’s repaired
• More and more attention is being paid to sewage and its effects. This
has resulted in more stringent quality standards and regulations. A good
sewage testing kit will keep you compliant with current legislation and
ensure you do not risk detention
A GUIDE TO MARINE SEWAGE EFFLUENT TESTING 01
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CHAPTER ONE
TERMINOLOGY &
DEFINITIONS
02
TERMINOLOGY & DEFINITIONS
Some of the terminology and procedures involved with testing can seem impenetrable
to anyone not familiar with the inside of a laboratory. To help with this we’ve put
together a quick guide to help with the key elements that you need to know.
• SEWAGE - is waste matter such as faeces or dirty water from homes and
factories, which flows away through sewers
• EFFLUENT - treated wastewater produced by the sewage treatment plant
• PERMANGANATE VALUE (PV) - represents the concentration of material
in the waste stream. The PV test is designed to show the oxidation of organic
material that occurs in natural waters by using potassium permanganate
under acidic conditions to accelerate the process
• COD - Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) measures the amount of dissolved
oxygen needed to break down the organic material in a water sample
• BOD - Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is similar – but the BOD value is
more detailed as it provides a value for the oxygen needed specifically by
bacteria
• TOC - stands for Total Organic Carbon and measures the amount of
decaying matter in water
A GUIDE TO MARINE SEWAGE EFFLUENT TESTING 03
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CHAPTER TWO
WHY TEST SEWAGE
EFFLUENTS
04
“
There are five key reasons for why you
need to carry out regular checks on your
sewage effluents. It goes beyond being
compliant to avoid detention.
• REDUCE DOWN-TIME - If you carry out regular tests of your vessel’s
sewage, you can identify issues much earlier and correct them with the
minimum of difficulty. This is much more efficient than waiting until a
problem develops as this may result in your system being out of action
while it’s repaired
• REDUCE COSTS - Down time means your vessel isn’t operating at maximum
profitability. Repairing faults with your sewage system could have a major
impact on your operations, something that can be easily avoided with
regular testing
• AVOID HEALTH HAZARDS - The pathogenic organisms, viruses and
bacteria present in sewage can cause salmonella and hepatitis A and E as
well as numerous gastrointestinal diseases and infections. Indirect contact
is also harmful as many marine creatures filtrate seawater, retaining the
dangerous particles which may then be passed on to those who eat them
A GUIDE TO MARINE SEWAGE EFFLUENT TESTING 05
• LIMIT MARINE POLLUTION - As well as the deeply unpleasant visual
impact, sewage is also extremely damaging to sea-life – particularly in
shallow seas and coastal areas. Because it uses up valuable oxygen in
the water as it disintegrates, it can result in the suffocation of fish, coral,
seaweed and micro-organisms essential to the ecosystem
• BE COMPLIANT - More and more attention is being paid to sewage
and its effects. This has resulted in more stringent quality standards and
regulations – and these are likely to get even more comprehensive soon. A
good sewage testing kit will keep you compliant with current legislation as
well as helping to make sure you’re prepared for future changes
A GUIDE TO MARINE SEWAGE EFFLUENT TESTING 06
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CHAPTER THREE
EFFLUENT TESTING
LEGISLATION
07
MARPOL ANNEX IV - RESOLUTION MEPC.115 (51)
Entered into force on 27th September 2008. It applies to ships on international
voyages which are either 400gt and greater or less than 400gt when certified to
carry more than 15 persons, which includes passengers and crew.
As set out in Annex 22 Resolution MEPC.227(64) adopted on the 5th October
2012, sewage treatment plants installed prior to 1st January 2010, on ships other
than passenger ships operating in MARPOL Annex IV special areas and intending
to discharge treated effluent into the sea, should comply with resolution
MEPC.2(VI) adopted on 3rd December 1976.
As set out in Annex 22 Resolution MEPC. 227(64) adopted on the 5th October
2012, sewage treatment plants installed prior to 1st January 2016 and on or after
1st January 2010, on ships other than passenger ships operating in MARPOL
Annex IV special areas and intending to discharge treated effluent into the sea,
should comply with resolution MPEC.159(55) adopted on 13th October 2006.
A GUIDE TO MARINE SEWAGE EFFLUENT TESTING 08
MEPC.2(VI) vs MPEC.159(55)
What The Rules Say You Must Do
MEPC.2(VI): MEPC.159(55):
Coliforms – up to 250 CFU/100ml Coliforms – up to 100 CFU/100ml
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) – up to 100 mg/l Total Suspended Solids (TSS) – up to 35 mg/l
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) – up to 50 mg/l Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) – up to 25 mg/l
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) – up to 125 mg/l
Chlorine (Free) – up to 0.5 mg/l
pH – between 6.0 – 8.5
Sampling should be carried out in a manner and at a frequency which is representative of the
effluent quality. Figure 2 provides a suggested frequency for sampling, however, the frequency
should take account of the residence time of the influent in the sewage treatment plant. A minimum
of 40 effluent samples should be collected (over 10 days) to allow a statistical analysis of the testing
data (e.g. geometric mean, maximum, minimum and variance).
The duration of the
test period should be
a minimum of 10 days
and should be timed
to capture normal
operational conditions,
taking into account
the type of system and
the number of persons
and hydraulic loading
for which the sewage
treatment plant will be
type approved.
A GUIDE TO MARINE SEWAGE EFFLUENT TESTING 09
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CHAPTER FOUR
QUICK GUIDE TO THE
REQUIRED TESTING
10
QUICK GUIDE TO THE REQUIRED TESTING
Part One
PERMANGANATE VALUE (PV)
The Permanganate Value test is used for indicating the general quality of final effluents as to its acceptability for
discharge. You simply fill your sample containers and add Acidifying SE tablets. After a short 30 minute wait you
read the result from the following table.
Containers Pink PV Grading
All Three PV of 0-10 Excellent
Two PV of 10-20 Satisfactory
One PV of 20-30 Dubious
None PV of over 30 Unsatisfactory
BOD, COD AND TOC
It is possible to derive an indication of the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) from the result of the Permanganate Value test.
To convert the Permanganate Value (PV) for domestic sewage and effluent to probable BOD, COD and TOC
values multiply by the following factors:
Sewage Effluent
Probable BOD PV x 5 PV x 1.5
Probable COD PV x 10 PV x 7
Probable TOC PV x 3 PV x 2
The probable BOD can be calculated from the result of the turbidity test using the following formula :
Turbidity
Probable BOD = +5
2
The Royal Commission Standard for Effluents recommends a BOD value of not more than 20 mg/l.
A GUIDE TO MARINE SEWAGE EFFLUENT TESTING 11
QUICK GUIDE TO THE REQUIRED TESTING
Part Two
TURBIDITY AND SUSPENDED SOLIDS
The Turbidity test is designed to give a measure of the suspended solids content of the final
effluent. It is also useful in following the day to day variation in the quality of sewage and
effluent.
The Turbidity test uses a specially calibrated plastic tube. This provides the simplest possible
method of performing this important test. Test kit SP 304 includes a tube graduated at 30
to 500 turbidity units.
The Royal Commission Standards for Effluents recommend that the suspended solids
content of sewage effluent should not be more than 30 mg/l
PH TEST
The pH test is carried out using a Universal pH test tablet in conjunction with a
comparator colour wheel. The test covers the pH range 4 to 10.
The expected pH range for raw sewage is 6 to 8.5,and the pH of final effluents
should also fall within the 6 to 8.5 pH range unless other consent limits are
specified.
A GUIDE TO MARINE SEWAGE EFFLUENT TESTING 12
QUICK GUIDE TO THE REQUIRED TESTING
Part Three
FREE CHLORINE
The Free Chlorine test is carried out by taking a sample of your sewage effluent, adding a crushed DPD 1 tablet
and comparing the sample effluent against the chlorine comparator disc. The corresponding number on the disc
is what you record.
BACTERIA PLATE TEST
A Bacteria Plate test simply involves taking a small 1ml sample of effluents and placing it onto the bacterial plate.
You incubate the sample at 35oC for 48 hours and simply count the number of red colonies on the plates surface.
You are looking for a result less than 100/250 CFU/ml depending on the vessel.
COLIFORMS
The coliform test is carried out by taking a sample of your sewage effluent and adding Sodium Thiosulphate and
readycult. Once thoroughly shaken, you incubate the sample for 24 hours and 35oC. You then check for a colour
change in the effluent sample, a change to blue/green indicates a presence of coliforms. Log result as present or
absent.
TEMPERATURE
A check should be maintained on the temperature of effluent discharges and these should always be close to
ambient temperatures. Sewage Effluent Test Kit SP 304 contains a 0 to 50°C thermometer complete in a brass
protecting case.
A GUIDE TO MARINE SEWAGE EFFLUENT TESTING 13
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CHAPTER FIVE
SEWAGE EFFLUENT
TEST KITS
14
SEWAGE EFFLUENT TEST KITS
Comparison Table
There are many sewage effluent test kits on the market but not many which ensure you
comply with the complex legislation. Do you dare risk detention?
Martek (MAX) Martek Kittiwake DTK Water Lovibond TrekTrak
£499 £355 £383 £261.53 £301.35 £765
Total tests in kit 965 965 152 4 225 32
Cost per test - approx £0.52 £0.37 £2.52 £65.38 £1.33 £23.90
Guaranteed to meet all
commercial rules/legislation & YES YES NO NO NO NO
class/flag state requirements?
Free Chlorine DPD 1 500 500 100 0 100 1
pH 100 100 2 1 100 1
Coliforms 25 25 25 0 25 30
Total Plate Count / HPC 40 40 25 0 0 0
Permanganate Value 300 300 0 3 0 0
BOD YES YES YES YES YES YES
COD YES YES YES YES YES YES
TOC YES YES YES YES YES YES
Turbidity Tube 1 1 1 1 1 1
Includes Incubator YES NO NO NO NO YES
3 Year Guarantee on Incubator YES NO - - - -
Included Thermometer YES YES NO YES NO NO
Disposable Gloves 100 100 200 0 0 0
Uses messy Thio-bags NO NO YES NO NO YES
A GUIDE TO MARINE SEWAGE EFFLUENT TESTING 15
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CHAPTER SIX
MARTEK SEWAGE
EFFLUENT TEST KIT
16
“ The Martek Marine Effluent Test Kit provides
simple tests for Permanganate Value, Ph,
Suspended Solids, Probable BOD, COD & TOC.
The Kit provides all the necessary tests to
guarantee compliance for all commercial vessels.
This all in one portable water testing solution makes compliance with complex
sewage discharge legislation easy.
The Sewage Effluent Test Kit is designed to provide you with simple test
methods which are guaranteed to be the most economical you will find - or
your money back.
The kit requires no formal training and is the only all in one solution to
guarantee complete compliance with the MLC 2006 & MARPOL ANNEX IV
onboard water testing legislation.
Our spares service means you only buy the full kit once and then replace
what you use. This means you’ll reduce waste whilst reducing costs.
THE SEWAGE EFFLUENT TEST KIT
• The ONLY combined portable Sewage Effluent and Potable Water Test Kit
• Guaranteed to be the MOST cost effective solution on the market
• ONLY replace what you use - you’ll never need to buy a full kit again
• NO formal training required
A GUIDE TO MARINE SEWAGE EFFLUENT TESTING 17
Martek Marine Sewage Kit Contents:
- DPD1 Free Chlorine Tests (box of 250 x2) - Universal pH tablets (x100)
- Comparator Disc Free Chlorine (0-5mg/l x1) - Sterile sample containers (100ml, x3)
- Coliform Tests (x25) - Plastic test tubes (10ml, x2)
- Disposable Gloves (x100) - Turbidity tube (13 inches)
- Goggles (x1) - Acidifying SE tablets (x300)
- Crushing rods (pack of 10 x1) - Permanganate Value tablets (x300)
- Heavy Duty Solid Shipping Case (65L) (x1) - Test tube brush (12cm)
- Sterile Containers (x25) - Thermometer (x1)
- Bacterial Plate Tests (Pack of 4 x10 ) - PH Comparator disk - 0-5mg (x1)
- Portable Mains Incubator 240v (x1) - Incubator (x1)
- Hard carry case ( x1)
A GUIDE TO MARINE SEWAGE EFFLUENT TESTING 18
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CHAPTER SEVEN
ABOUT MARTEK
MARINE
19
ABOUT MARTEK MARINE
We exist to revolutionise ship safety, performance and crew welfare
Martek Marine is a ‘best-in-world’ marine disruptive technologies provider. With a focus on three core
pillars, ship safety, performance and crew welfare, Martek Marine has supplied over 30,000 ship sets
across the globe since 1999.
Martek’s ground-breaking technology offers simple compliance with all safety, environmental and
navigational marine regulations, protecting assets, life and the environment in the global maritime
industry.
From 24-hour worldwide dispatch for calibration gases, to lifesaving marine AED’s and from gas detection
to bridge watch alarm systems, Martek Marine ensure all aspects of safety and performance are covered
to the highest standard.
With 20 years pedigree, in-house expert knowledge and international renown for an exceptional customer
experience, Martek Marine continues to steam ahead at the forefront of innovation.
A GUIDE TO MARINE SEWAGE EFFLUENT TESTING 20
FOR MORE INFORMATION
GET IN TOUCH TODAY
Click the below to view the sewage effluent test
kit on our website. Submit a contact us form
and the Martek team will be in touch shortly.
LEARN MORE
Martek Marine (UK) Martek Marine (Asia Pacific)
Adwick Park 3 Church Street
Manvers Samsung Hub
Rotherham Level 8
South Yorkshire 049483
S63 5AB Singapore
Telephone: +44 (0)1709 599 222 Telephone: +65 6408 3334
Registered in England and Wales Number: 03930003
www.martek-marine.com
