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Streeter Phelps

Environmental Engineering · FE Reference Handbook section

Environmental Engineering
12 formulas
10 exam-style examples
~60 min
All Environmental Engineering lectures

Core formulas for this FE topic

Definitions, applicability, units, assumptions and worked examples for each relation.

Worked exam-style examples

The four ways this section is written on the real exam — thoughts first, then equations, then substitution.

Example 1
Streeter Phelps — solve for dissolved oxygen deficit — Streeter Phelps

Streeter Phelps oxygen sag curve downstream of a wastewater outfall Given deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.3100 1/day; reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.8900 1/day; initial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 30.0000 mg/L; initial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 2.7000 mg/L; time of travel (t) = 2.2000 day, determine the dissolved oxygen deficit (D) in mg/L.

Given

  • deoxygenationrate(kd)=0.31001/daydeoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.3100 1/day
  • reaerationrate(kr)=0.89001/dayreaeration rate (k_r) = 0.8900 1/day
  • initialultimateBOD(L0)=30.0000mg/Linitial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 30.0000 mg/L
  • initialoxygendeficit(D0)=2.7000mg/Linitial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 2.7000 mg/L
  • timeoftravel(t)=2.2000daytime of travel (t) = 2.2000 day

Find

dissolved oxygen deficit (D), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Streeter Phelps.
  • Everything except D is given, so isolate D symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The Streeter Phelps oxygen sag equation models dissolved oxygen deficit downstream of a wastewater discharge in a stream.
travel timeDO deficitStreeter Phelps dissolved oxygen sag curve

Figure 1 — schematic for Streeter Phelps — solve for dissolved oxygen deficit — Streeter Phelps

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for D:

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r-k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t}-e^{-k_r t}\right)+D_0 e^{-k_r t}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.3100 1/day, reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.8900 1/day, initial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 30.0000 mg/L, initial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 2.7000 mg/L, time of travel (t) = 2.2000 day.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    D=kdL0kr−kd\lef2.2000(e−kd2.2000−e−kr2.2000\righ2.2000)+D0e−kr2.2000D = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r-k_d}\lef2.2000(e^{-k_d 2.2000}-e^{-k_r 2.2000}\righ2.2000)+D_0 e^{-k_r 2.2000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    D=6.2251 mg/LD = 6.2251\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning D = 6.2251 mg/L to

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
D=6.2251 mg/LD = 6.2251\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 12.4502 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 3.1125 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 6.8476 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Streeter Phelps

Example 2
Streeter Phelps — solve for initial ultimate BOD — Streeter Phelps (2)

Streeter Phelps model computing dissolved oxygen deficit in a river Given deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.3200 1/day; reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.9100 1/day; initial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 4.0000 mg/L; time of travel (t) = 0.5000 day; dissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 10.4200 mg/L, determine the initial ultimate BOD (L_0) in mg/L.

Given

  • deoxygenationrate(kd)=0.32001/daydeoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.3200 1/day
  • reaerationrate(kr)=0.91001/dayreaeration rate (k_r) = 0.9100 1/day
  • initialoxygendeficit(D0)=4.0000mg/Linitial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 4.0000 mg/L
  • timeoftravel(t)=0.5000daytime of travel (t) = 0.5000 day
  • dissolvedoxygendeficit(D)=10.4200mg/Ldissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 10.4200 mg/L

Find

initial ultimate BOD (L_0), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Streeter Phelps.
  • Everything except L_0 is given, so isolate L_0 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The Streeter Phelps oxygen sag equation models dissolved oxygen deficit downstream of a wastewater discharge in a stream.
travel timeDO deficitStreeter Phelps dissolved oxygen sag curve

Figure 2 — schematic for Streeter Phelps — solve for initial ultimate BOD — Streeter Phelps (2)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for L_0:

    L0=(D−D0e−krt)(kr−kd)kd(e−kdt−e−krt)L_{0} = \dfrac{\left(D-D_0 e^{-k_r t}\right)(k_r-k_d)}{k_d\left(e^{-k_d t}-e^{-k_r t}\right)}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.3200 1/day, reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.9100 1/day, initial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 4.0000 mg/L, time of travel (t) = 0.5000 day, dissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 10.4200 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    L0=\lef0.5000(10.4200−D0e−kr0.5000\righ0.5000)(kr−kd)kd\lef0.5000(e−kd0.5000−e−kr0.5000\righ0.5000)L_{0} = \dfrac{\lef0.5000(10.4200-D_0 e^{-k_r 0.5000}\righ0.5000)(k_r-k_d)}{k_d\lef0.5000(e^{-k_d 0.5000}-e^{-k_r 0.5000}\righ0.5000)}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    L0=66.7575 mg/LL_{0} = 66.7575\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning L_0 = 66.7575 mg/L to

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
L0=66.7575 mg/LL_{0} = 66.7575\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 133.5 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 33.3787 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 73.4332 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Streeter Phelps

Example 3
Streeter Phelps — solve for initial oxygen deficit — Streeter Phelps (3)

Streeter Phelps equation predicting the critical DO sag point Given deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.4700 1/day; reaeration rate (k_r) = 1.0400 1/day; initial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 24.0000 mg/L; time of travel (t) = 0.7000 day; dissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 4.3900 mg/L, determine the initial oxygen deficit (D_0) in mg/L.

Given

  • deoxygenationrate(kd)=0.47001/daydeoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.4700 1/day
  • reaerationrate(kr)=1.04001/dayreaeration rate (k_r) = 1.0400 1/day
  • initialultimateBOD(L0)=24.0000mg/Linitial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 24.0000 mg/L
  • timeoftravel(t)=0.7000daytime of travel (t) = 0.7000 day
  • dissolvedoxygendeficit(D)=4.3900mg/Ldissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 4.3900 mg/L

Find

initial oxygen deficit (D_0), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Streeter Phelps.
  • Everything except D_0 is given, so isolate D_0 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The Streeter Phelps oxygen sag equation models dissolved oxygen deficit downstream of a wastewater discharge in a stream.
travel timeDO deficitStreeter Phelps dissolved oxygen sag curve

Figure 3 — schematic for Streeter Phelps — solve for initial oxygen deficit — Streeter Phelps (3)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for D_0:

    D0=D−kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)e−krtD_{0} = \dfrac{D-\dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r-k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t}-e^{-k_r t}\right)}{e^{-k_r t}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.4700 1/day, reaeration rate (k_r) = 1.0400 1/day, initial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 24.0000 mg/L, time of travel (t) = 0.7000 day, dissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 4.3900 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    D0=4.3900−kdL0kr−kd\lef0.7000(e−kd0.7000−e−kr0.7000\righ0.7000)e−kr0.7000D_{0} = \dfrac{4.3900-\dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r-k_d}\lef0.7000(e^{-k_d 0.7000}-e^{-k_r 0.7000}\righ0.7000)}{e^{-k_r 0.7000}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    D0=−0.6120 mg/LD_{0} = -0.6120\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning D_0 = -0.6120 mg/L to

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
D0=−0.6120 mg/LD_{0} = -0.6120\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • -1.2241 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • -0.3060 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • -0.6732 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Streeter Phelps

Example 4
Streeter Phelps — solve for dissolved oxygen deficit (case 2) — Streeter Phelps (4)

Streeter Phelps oxygen sag curve downstream of a wastewater outfall Given deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.2500 1/day; reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.7800 1/day; initial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 44.5000 mg/L; initial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 4.6000 mg/L; time of travel (t) = 1.6000 day, determine the dissolved oxygen deficit (D) in mg/L.

Given

  • deoxygenationrate(kd)=0.25001/daydeoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.2500 1/day
  • reaerationrate(kr)=0.78001/dayreaeration rate (k_r) = 0.7800 1/day
  • initialultimateBOD(L0)=44.5000mg/Linitial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 44.5000 mg/L
  • initialoxygendeficit(D0)=4.6000mg/Linitial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 4.6000 mg/L
  • timeoftravel(t)=1.6000daytime of travel (t) = 1.6000 day

Find

dissolved oxygen deficit (D), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Streeter Phelps.
  • Everything except D is given, so isolate D symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The Streeter Phelps oxygen sag equation models dissolved oxygen deficit downstream of a wastewater discharge in a stream.
travel timeDO deficitStreeter Phelps dissolved oxygen sag curve

Figure 4 — schematic for Streeter Phelps — solve for dissolved oxygen deficit (case 2) — Streeter Phelps (4)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for D:

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r-k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t}-e^{-k_r t}\right)+D_0 e^{-k_r t}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.2500 1/day, reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.7800 1/day, initial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 44.5000 mg/L, initial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 4.6000 mg/L, time of travel (t) = 1.6000 day.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    D=kdL0kr−kd\lef1.6000(e−kd1.6000−e−kr1.6000\righ1.6000)+D0e−kr1.6000D = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r-k_d}\lef1.6000(e^{-k_d 1.6000}-e^{-k_r 1.6000}\righ1.6000)+D_0 e^{-k_r 1.6000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    D=9.3650 mg/LD = 9.3650\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning D = 9.3650 mg/L to

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
D=9.3650 mg/LD = 9.3650\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 18.7300 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 4.6825 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 10.3015 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Streeter Phelps

Example 5
Streeter Phelps — solve for initial ultimate BOD (case 2) — Streeter Phelps (5)

Streeter Phelps model computing dissolved oxygen deficit in a river Given deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.4100 1/day; reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.9000 1/day; initial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 2.1000 mg/L; time of travel (t) = 2.3000 day; dissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 4.4400 mg/L, determine the initial ultimate BOD (L_0) in mg/L.

Given

  • deoxygenationrate(kd)=0.41001/daydeoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.4100 1/day
  • reaerationrate(kr)=0.90001/dayreaeration rate (k_r) = 0.9000 1/day
  • initialoxygendeficit(D0)=2.1000mg/Linitial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 2.1000 mg/L
  • timeoftravel(t)=2.3000daytime of travel (t) = 2.3000 day
  • dissolvedoxygendeficit(D)=4.4400mg/Ldissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 4.4400 mg/L

Find

initial ultimate BOD (L_0), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Streeter Phelps.
  • Everything except L_0 is given, so isolate L_0 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The Streeter Phelps oxygen sag equation models dissolved oxygen deficit downstream of a wastewater discharge in a stream.
travel timeDO deficitStreeter Phelps dissolved oxygen sag curve

Figure 5 — schematic for Streeter Phelps — solve for initial ultimate BOD (case 2) — Streeter Phelps (5)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for L_0:

    L0=(D−D0e−krt)(kr−kd)kd(e−kdt−e−krt)L_{0} = \dfrac{\left(D-D_0 e^{-k_r t}\right)(k_r-k_d)}{k_d\left(e^{-k_d t}-e^{-k_r t}\right)}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.4100 1/day, reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.9000 1/day, initial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 2.1000 mg/L, time of travel (t) = 2.3000 day, dissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 4.4400 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    L0=\lef2.3000(4.4400−D0e−kr2.3000\righ2.3000)(kr−kd)kd\lef2.3000(e−kd2.3000−e−kr2.3000\righ2.3000)L_{0} = \dfrac{\lef2.3000(4.4400-D_0 e^{-k_r 2.3000}\righ2.3000)(k_r-k_d)}{k_d\lef2.3000(e^{-k_d 2.3000}-e^{-k_r 2.3000}\righ2.3000)}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    L0=18.9524 mg/LL_{0} = 18.9524\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning L_0 = 18.9524 mg/L to

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
L0=18.9524 mg/LL_{0} = 18.9524\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 37.9049 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 9.4762 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 20.8477 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Streeter Phelps

Example 6
Streeter Phelps — solve for initial oxygen deficit (case 2) — Streeter Phelps (6)

Streeter Phelps equation predicting the critical DO sag point Given deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.3000 1/day; reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.7300 1/day; initial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 27.5000 mg/L; time of travel (t) = 2.4000 day; dissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 3.8700 mg/L, determine the initial oxygen deficit (D_0) in mg/L.

Given

  • deoxygenationrate(kd)=0.30001/daydeoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.3000 1/day
  • reaerationrate(kr)=0.73001/dayreaeration rate (k_r) = 0.7300 1/day
  • initialultimateBOD(L0)=27.5000mg/Linitial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 27.5000 mg/L
  • timeoftravel(t)=2.4000daytime of travel (t) = 2.4000 day
  • dissolvedoxygendeficit(D)=3.8700mg/Ldissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 3.8700 mg/L

Find

initial oxygen deficit (D_0), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Streeter Phelps.
  • Everything except D_0 is given, so isolate D_0 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The Streeter Phelps oxygen sag equation models dissolved oxygen deficit downstream of a wastewater discharge in a stream.
travel timeDO deficitStreeter Phelps dissolved oxygen sag curve

Figure 6 — schematic for Streeter Phelps — solve for initial oxygen deficit (case 2) — Streeter Phelps (6)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for D_0:

    D0=D−kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)e−krtD_{0} = \dfrac{D-\dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r-k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t}-e^{-k_r t}\right)}{e^{-k_r t}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.3000 1/day, reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.7300 1/day, initial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 27.5000 mg/L, time of travel (t) = 2.4000 day, dissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 3.8700 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    D0=3.8700−kdL0kr−kd\lef2.4000(e−kd2.4000−e−kr2.4000\righ2.4000)e−kr2.4000D_{0} = \dfrac{3.8700-\dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r-k_d}\lef2.4000(e^{-k_d 2.4000}-e^{-k_r 2.4000}\righ2.4000)}{e^{-k_r 2.4000}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    D0=−12.3480 mg/LD_{0} = -12.3480\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning D_0 = -12.3480 mg/L to

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
D0=−12.3480 mg/LD_{0} = -12.3480\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • -24.6961 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • -6.1740 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • -13.5828 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Streeter Phelps

Example 7
Streeter Phelps — solve for dissolved oxygen deficit (case 3) — Streeter Phelps (7)

Streeter Phelps oxygen sag curve downstream of a wastewater outfall Given deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.2600 1/day; reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.7300 1/day; initial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 49.5000 mg/L; initial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 4.2000 mg/L; time of travel (t) = 2.3000 day, determine the dissolved oxygen deficit (D) in mg/L.

Given

  • deoxygenationrate(kd)=0.26001/daydeoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.2600 1/day
  • reaerationrate(kr)=0.73001/dayreaeration rate (k_r) = 0.7300 1/day
  • initialultimateBOD(L0)=49.5000mg/Linitial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 49.5000 mg/L
  • initialoxygendeficit(D0)=4.2000mg/Linitial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 4.2000 mg/L
  • timeoftravel(t)=2.3000daytime of travel (t) = 2.3000 day

Find

dissolved oxygen deficit (D), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Streeter Phelps.
  • Everything except D is given, so isolate D symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The Streeter Phelps oxygen sag equation models dissolved oxygen deficit downstream of a wastewater discharge in a stream.
travel timeDO deficitStreeter Phelps dissolved oxygen sag curve

Figure 7 — schematic for Streeter Phelps — solve for dissolved oxygen deficit (case 3) — Streeter Phelps (7)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for D:

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r-k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t}-e^{-k_r t}\right)+D_0 e^{-k_r t}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.2600 1/day, reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.7300 1/day, initial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 49.5000 mg/L, initial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 4.2000 mg/L, time of travel (t) = 2.3000 day.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    D=kdL0kr−kd\lef2.3000(e−kd2.3000−e−kr2.3000\righ2.3000)+D0e−kr2.3000D = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r-k_d}\lef2.3000(e^{-k_d 2.3000}-e^{-k_r 2.3000}\righ2.3000)+D_0 e^{-k_r 2.3000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    D=10.7332 mg/LD = 10.7332\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning D = 10.7332 mg/L to

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
D=10.7332 mg/LD = 10.7332\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 21.4663 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 5.3666 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 11.8065 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Streeter Phelps

Example 8
Streeter Phelps — solve for initial ultimate BOD (case 3) — Streeter Phelps (8)

Streeter Phelps model computing dissolved oxygen deficit in a river Given deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.2300 1/day; reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.6800 1/day; initial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 3.2000 mg/L; time of travel (t) = 1.7000 day; dissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 5.7600 mg/L, determine the initial ultimate BOD (L_0) in mg/L.

Given

  • deoxygenationrate(kd)=0.23001/daydeoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.2300 1/day
  • reaerationrate(kr)=0.68001/dayreaeration rate (k_r) = 0.6800 1/day
  • initialoxygendeficit(D0)=3.2000mg/Linitial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 3.2000 mg/L
  • timeoftravel(t)=1.7000daytime of travel (t) = 1.7000 day
  • dissolvedoxygendeficit(D)=5.7600mg/Ldissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 5.7600 mg/L

Find

initial ultimate BOD (L_0), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Streeter Phelps.
  • Everything except L_0 is given, so isolate L_0 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The Streeter Phelps oxygen sag equation models dissolved oxygen deficit downstream of a wastewater discharge in a stream.
travel timeDO deficitStreeter Phelps dissolved oxygen sag curve

Figure 8 — schematic for Streeter Phelps — solve for initial ultimate BOD (case 3) — Streeter Phelps (8)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for L_0:

    L0=(D−D0e−krt)(kr−kd)kd(e−kdt−e−krt)L_{0} = \dfrac{\left(D-D_0 e^{-k_r t}\right)(k_r-k_d)}{k_d\left(e^{-k_d t}-e^{-k_r t}\right)}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.2300 1/day, reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.6800 1/day, initial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 3.2000 mg/L, time of travel (t) = 1.7000 day, dissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 5.7600 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    L0=\lef1.7000(5.7600−D0e−kr1.7000\righ1.7000)(kr−kd)kd\lef1.7000(e−kd1.7000−e−kr1.7000\righ1.7000)L_{0} = \dfrac{\lef1.7000(5.7600-D_0 e^{-k_r 1.7000}\righ1.7000)(k_r-k_d)}{k_d\lef1.7000(e^{-k_d 1.7000}-e^{-k_r 1.7000}\righ1.7000)}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    L0=25.7136 mg/LL_{0} = 25.7136\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning L_0 = 25.7136 mg/L to

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
L0=25.7136 mg/LL_{0} = 25.7136\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 51.4272 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 12.8568 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 28.2850 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Streeter Phelps

Example 9
Streeter Phelps — solve for initial oxygen deficit (case 3) — Streeter Phelps (9)

Streeter Phelps equation predicting the critical DO sag point Given deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.1700 1/day; reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.8400 1/day; initial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 15.0000 mg/L; time of travel (t) = 1.1000 day; dissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 1.7500 mg/L, determine the initial oxygen deficit (D_0) in mg/L.

Given

  • deoxygenationrate(kd)=0.17001/daydeoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.1700 1/day
  • reaerationrate(kr)=0.84001/dayreaeration rate (k_r) = 0.8400 1/day
  • initialultimateBOD(L0)=15.0000mg/Linitial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 15.0000 mg/L
  • timeoftravel(t)=1.1000daytime of travel (t) = 1.1000 day
  • dissolvedoxygendeficit(D)=1.7500mg/Ldissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 1.7500 mg/L

Find

initial oxygen deficit (D_0), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Streeter Phelps.
  • Everything except D_0 is given, so isolate D_0 symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The Streeter Phelps oxygen sag equation models dissolved oxygen deficit downstream of a wastewater discharge in a stream.
travel timeDO deficitStreeter Phelps dissolved oxygen sag curve

Figure 9 — schematic for Streeter Phelps — solve for initial oxygen deficit (case 3) — Streeter Phelps (9)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for D_0:

    D0=D−kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)e−krtD_{0} = \dfrac{D-\dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r-k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t}-e^{-k_r t}\right)}{e^{-k_r t}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.1700 1/day, reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.8400 1/day, initial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 15.0000 mg/L, time of travel (t) = 1.1000 day, dissolved oxygen deficit (D) = 1.7500 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    D0=1.7500−kdL0kr−kd\lef1.1000(e−kd1.1000−e−kr1.1000\righ1.1000)e−kr1.1000D_{0} = \dfrac{1.7500-\dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r-k_d}\lef1.1000(e^{-k_d 1.1000}-e^{-k_r 1.1000}\righ1.1000)}{e^{-k_r 1.1000}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    D0=0.2617 mg/LD_{0} = 0.2617\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning D_0 = 0.2617 mg/L to

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
D0=0.2617 mg/LD_{0} = 0.2617\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 0.5233 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.1308 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 0.2878 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Streeter Phelps

Example 10
Streeter Phelps — solve for dissolved oxygen deficit (case 4) — Streeter Phelps (10)

Streeter Phelps oxygen sag curve downstream of a wastewater outfall Given deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.5000 1/day; reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.8700 1/day; initial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 46.0000 mg/L; initial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 4.6000 mg/L; time of travel (t) = 1.3000 day, determine the dissolved oxygen deficit (D) in mg/L.

Given

  • deoxygenationrate(kd)=0.50001/daydeoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.5000 1/day
  • reaerationrate(kr)=0.87001/dayreaeration rate (k_r) = 0.8700 1/day
  • initialultimateBOD(L0)=46.0000mg/Linitial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 46.0000 mg/L
  • initialoxygendeficit(D0)=4.6000mg/Linitial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 4.6000 mg/L
  • timeoftravel(t)=1.3000daytime of travel (t) = 1.3000 day

Find

dissolved oxygen deficit (D), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Streeter Phelps.
  • Everything except D is given, so isolate D symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The Streeter Phelps oxygen sag equation models dissolved oxygen deficit downstream of a wastewater discharge in a stream.
travel timeDO deficitStreeter Phelps dissolved oxygen sag curve

Figure 10 — schematic for Streeter Phelps — solve for dissolved oxygen deficit (case 4) — Streeter Phelps (10)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for D:

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r-k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t}-e^{-k_r t}\right)+D_0 e^{-k_r t}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: deoxygenation rate (k_d) = 0.5000 1/day, reaeration rate (k_r) = 0.8700 1/day, initial ultimate BOD (L_0) = 46.0000 mg/L, initial oxygen deficit (D_0) = 4.6000 mg/L, time of travel (t) = 1.3000 day.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    D=kdL0kr−kd\lef1.3000(e−kd1.3000−e−kr1.3000\righ1.3000)+D0e−kr1.3000D = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r-k_d}\lef1.3000(e^{-k_d 1.3000}-e^{-k_r 1.3000}\righ1.3000)+D_0 e^{-k_r 1.3000}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    D=13.8756 mg/LD = 13.8756\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning D = 13.8756 mg/L to

    D=kdL0kr−kd(e−kdt−e−krt)+D0e−krtD = \dfrac{k_d L_0}{k_r - k_d}\left(e^{-k_d t} - e^{-k_r t}\right) + D_0 e^{-k_r t}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
D=13.8756 mg/LD = 13.8756\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 27.7512 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 6.9378 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 15.2631 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Streeter Phelps

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