Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is an essential water quality parameter that measures the total organic matter in wastewater susceptible to chemical oxidation.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The standard COD wet-digestion method utilizes a highly powerful chemical oxidant mixture:
- Potassium dichromate (\(\text{K}_2\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7\)): Serves as the primary oxidizing agent.
- Concentrated sulfuric acid (\(\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4\)): Serves as the acid medium to ensure maximum oxidation potential. It also contains silver sulfate (\(\text{Ag}_2\text{SO}_4\)) as a catalyst to accelerate the oxidation of straight-chain hydrocarbons.
The mixture is refluxed at high temperatures, converting all organic carbon into carbon dioxide and water.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The oxidant mixture consists of Potassium dichromate and concentrated sulphuric acid, which corresponds to option (A).