Eurofins Water Hygiene Testing UK Ltd.'s UKAS No. 9658, 9508 & 1369 accredited laboratories are able to assess the composition of targeted nutrients present in water across a wide variety of applications and sample matrix types.
Why oxidisable substances testing matters
Testing for oxidisable substances provides valuable insight into the organic content and pollution levels in natural, potable, and treated water. Key parameters in this category include
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The Permanganate Index
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Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
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Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
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Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
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Total and Dissolved Organic Carbon (TOC, DOC),
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Total and Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (TIC, DIC)
These tests are essential for evaluating source water quality, discharge compliance, and the performance of water and wastewater treatment processes.
Monitoring organic loading, source quality and treatment performance
Understanding the oxidisable fraction of water is critical for assessing both natural and anthropogenic impacts. High oxygen demand indicates the presence of biodegradable or chemically reactive organics that can deplete dissolved oxygen, harm aquatic life, and compromise treatment performance.
Regular monitoring helps identify contamination sources, verify treatment efficiency, and demonstrate compliance with environmental or drinking water regulations
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Permanganate Index – measures the amount of organic matter oxidised under standard conditions and is required under the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations for drinking water
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Dissolved Oxygen (DO); indicates the oxygen available for aquatic organisms and reflects system health
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Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD); measures the oxygen consumed by microorganisms over five days and is key for environmental discharge consents.
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Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD); quantifies oxygen demand from both biodegradable and non-biodegradable organics, supporting wastewater and effluent assessment
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Total and Dissolved Organic Carbon (TOC, DOC); measure organic carbon content, indicating overall purity and treatment effectiveness
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Total and Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (TIC, DIC); represent carbonate species and are important for understanding buffering capacity and system stability
Testing and methods
Eurofins Water Hygiene Testing UK offers comprehensive analysis of oxidisable substances across surface water, groundwater, drinking water, and treated effluent. Testing is performed using validated methods including spectrophotometry, respirometry, and advanced TOC/DOC analysis. Typical turnaround times are five to seven working days depending on the test type and any incubation or stabilisation required. Testing is conducted in UKAS accredited laboratories with matrix-dependent accreditation. For extended analyte coverage, we work with approved subcontractors, including Eurofins European partners.
Who we serve
Our testing supports
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Environmental and water quality consultants
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Water utilities
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Local authorities
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Industrial and manufacturing sites
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Facilities and compliance teams managing discharge consents or treatment plants
Whether for routine monitoring, compliance reporting, or pollution incident investigation, our accredited testing provides dependable results.
Why choose Eurofins Water Hygiene Testing UK
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UKAS accredited testing for Permanganate Index, COD, and BOD
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Suitable for raw, drinking, treated, and environmental water
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Supports Water Framework Directive, Water Quality Regulations, and permit compliance
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Reliable turnaround with clear, accessible reporting
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Nationwide logistics network ensuring secure and rapid sample transport
UK-Wide drop-off facilities
Eurofins Water Hygiene Testing UK customers benefit from our extensive and free to use sample drop off network with over 50 drop-off locations. Follow the links below for more details.
Sample bottles
To ensure that we are able to test your water chemistry samples please submit them in appropriate sample bottles.
Contact & next steps
If you require oxidisable substances testing as part of your regulatory compliance, environmental monitoring, or treatment performance assessment, please Contact us or call 0845 604 6740. We are ready to advise on sampling and help maintain your water systems’ safety and performance.
