Online continuous monitoring system

Guidelines for Real-time Effluent Quality Monitoring System
CPCB Delhi
Guidelines for
Online continuous monitoring system
for Effluents
CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
PARIVESH BHAWAN, EAST ARJUN NAGAR
time Effluent Quality Monitoring System
Guidelines for
for Effluents
DELHI – 110 032
07.11.2014
07.11.2014
Page 1

Guidelines for Real-time Effluent Quality Monitoring System 07.11.2014
CPCB Delhi Page 2
CONTENTS
Sl. No. Title Page No.
1.0 Background 4
2.0 Genesis of Problem 4
3.0 Real Time Monitoring 5
3.1 Merits of on-line monitoring techniques 5
3.2 Basic requirement of an efficient on line analyser 5
3.3 Techniques/ instrumentation for online measurement 6
3.3.1 Online Analysers 6
3.3.2 In line Analysers 6
3.4 Photometric optical sensor 6
3.5 Ion Selective Electrodes (ISE) 8
3.6 Colorimetric 8
3.7 UV Absorption 8
3.7.1 UV Vis Absorption Spectroscopy 8
3.8 Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Methodology 9
3.9 Limitations of On-line Analysers 10
3.10 Systems available 11
3.11 Assessment of technology 14
3.12 Issues with real time monitoring systems 16
4.0 Site Selection 16
4.1 Quantification 17

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4.2 System Validation 17
4.3 Parameter validation 17
4.4 Operation & maintenance 17
5.0 Reporting 17
5.1 Data management 18
6.0 Available monitoring matrices 20
7.0 Observations 34
12 Conclusions 34
Tables
Sl. No. Table Name Page No.
1 TECHNOLOGIES AVAILABLE 13
2 SUITABILITY OF TECHNOLOGIES FOR DIFFERENT
MATRICES
14
3 DETAILS OF PARAMETERS AND ACCEPTABLE
TECHNOLOGIES REQUIRED TO BE INSTALLED FOR
REAL TIME CONTINUOUS EFFLUENT MONITORING
SYSTEMS IN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF INDUSTRIES IN
INDIA.
21

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1.0 BACKGROUND
Central Pollution Control Board vide its letter No. B-29016/04/06PCI-1/5401 dated 05.02.2014 issued
directions under section 18(1)b of the Water and Air Acts to the State Pollution Control Boards and
Pollution Control Committees for directing the 17 categories of highly polluting industries such as
Pulp & Paper, Distillery, Sugar, Tanneries, Power Plants, Cement, Oil Refineries, Fertilizer, Chloral
Alkali Plants, Dye & Dye Intermediate Units, Pesticides and Pharma Sector, Common Effluent
Treatment Plants (CETP) and STPs, Common Bio Medical Waste and Common Hazardous Waste
Incinerators for installation of online effluent quality and common emission monitoring systems to
help track the discharges of pollutants from these units.
Directions were also issued to 11 Ganga Basin State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control
Committees vide letter No.B-190019/NGRBA/CPCB/2011-12 dated 05.02.2014 for directing the
industries discharging effluents directly into River Ganga or its tributaries for installation of real time
water quality monitoring systems to monitor parameters such as pH, TSS, COD, BOD, Chromium,
Arsenic , AOx, Ammonia. The directions envisage:
 Installation of online effluent quality monitoring system at the outlet of the identified units for the
measurement of the parameters, pH, COD, BOD and other sector specific parameters (Annexure-
I) as per the guidelines provided, not later than by March 31, 2015 and transmission of online data
so generated to SPCB/PCC and CPCB as well.
 Installation of surveillance system with industrial grade IP (Internet Protocol) cameras having
PAN, Tilt Zoom (PTZ) with leased line real time connection for data streaming and transmission
of the same.
 Ensure regular maintenance and operation of the online system with tamper proof mechanism
having facilities for online calibration.
2.0 GENESIS OF PROBLEM :
Chemicals (Pharmaceuticals, Organic/Inorganic, Fertilizers, Oil Refineries and Pesticides),
Distilleries, Sugar, Pulp & Paper, Textile, Dying, Bleaching, Slaughter Houses, Tannery, Food &
Dairy and other categories of industries located in states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and
West Bengal have been discharging effluent directly or indirectly into the river Ganga and its
tributaries (Ramganga & Kali-East) through drains, thereby causing deterioration of water quality of
river Ganga and its tributaries.
The SPCBs and PCCs have prescribed standards for various pollutants emitted/ discharged by the
industries as notified under the Environment(Protection) Act,1986. The compliance monitoring needs
to be strengthened to ensure that treated industrial effluent complying with the stipulated norms is
only discharged by the industries.
With rapid industrialisation, it is becoming a need and necessity to regulate and minimise inspection
of industries on routine basis. Therefore, efforts need to be made to bring self-discipline in the
industries to exercise self-monitoring & compliance and transmit data of effluent and emission to
SPCBs/PCCs and to CPCB on continuous basis.
For strengthening the monitoring and compliance through self-regulatory mechanism, online emission
and effluent monitoring systems need to be installed and operated by the developers and the industries
on, 'Polluter Pays Principle’.

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The ground truthing of the values indicated by the online devices need to be done. For proper
interpretation of data measures need to be taken at the level of SPCBs/PCCs. For regulatory purposes
and for purpose of actions to be taken against non-complying industries/facilities, the existing method
of sampling, analysis and related procedures under the existing statutes need to be continued.
Various technologies are available for monitoring the effluent quality in terms of the parameters
specified in the directions issued by CPCB. However, no guidelines on selection of the Real Time
Monitoring Systems are available.
3.0 REAL TIME MONITORING
In recent years online water quality monitoring technology has received attention and interest in
context of providing accurate and continuous water/waste water quality information. There are
already commercially available systems for monitoring parameters such as Turbidity, Colour,
Fluoride, Sodium, Ammonia, Chlorides, Nitrates etc.
3.1 Merits of on-line Monitoring Techniques
The major advantages of on-line monitoring systems over traditional laboratory based and portable
field methods are:
a. Online monitoring systems provide continuous measurement of data for long periods of time,
at the monitoring site of interest , without skilled staff being required to perform the analysis.
b. All the major steps in traditional analysis like sample collection, preservation, transportation,
sample pre-treatment, calibration, reagent addition and sample analysis procedures are usually
automated in on-line analysers.
c. In case of sudden disturbance in the system, compared to conventional methods the on-line
analysers provide timely information for taking immediate corrective/preventive steps.
3.2 Basic requirement of an efficient on line analyser
The major prerequisites of efficient online analysers are:
 Should be capable of operating unattended over prolonged period of time.
 Should produce analytically valid results with precision and repeatability
 The instrument/analyser should be robust and rugged, for optimal operation under
extreme environmental conditions, while maintaining its calibrated status.
 The analyser should have inbuilt features for automatic water matrix change adaption.
 The instrument / analyser should have onboard library of calibration spectras for
different industrial matrices with provision of accumulating further calibration matrices
 Should have data validation facility with features to transmit raw and validated data to
central server.
 Should have Remote system access from central server provisioning log file access.
 Should have provision for Multi-server data transmission from each station without
intermediate PC or plant server.
 Should have provision to send system alarm to central server in case any changes made
in configuration or calibration.
 Should have provision to record all operation information in log file.
 For each parameter there should be provision for independent analysis, validation,
calibration & data transmission.
 Must have provision of a system memory (non-volatile) to record data for at-least one

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year of continuous operation.
 Should have provision of Plant level data viewing and retrieval with selection of
ethernet, wireless, Modbus & USB.
 In case of TOC analyser, the empirical relationship between TOC to COD or BOD must
be authenticated for all industrial applications and the correlation calculation (for factor)
provided.
 The correlation/interpretation factor for estimating COD and BOD using UV-Visible
Absorption Technique shall be regularly authenticated/ validated and details provided.
 Record of calibration and validation should be available on real time basis on central
server from each location/parameter.
 Record of online diagnostic features including sensor status should be available in
database for user friendly maintenance.
 Expandable program to calculate parameter load daily, weekly or monthly basis for future
evaluation with flow rate signal input.
 Must have low operation and maintenance requirements with low chemical consumption
and recurring cost of consumables and spares.
3.3 Techniques/ Instrumentation for online measurement
Real time continuous measurements can be made by two methods:
 Online
 Inline or In situ
3.3.1 Online Analysers
In most cases online measurements are based on automated laboratory based measurement techniques.
The sample is usually injected using rotation valves or peristaltic pumps to the instrument using flow
injection analyses (FIA) or sequential flow injection techniques (SFI), via a separate analytical line
which is connected to the main process stream. The sample is then extracted, pre-treated if required
and presented to the analytical instruments for the analysis required. This system can be either
calibrated online automatically, or offline by skilled operator. Online analysers usually require a
suitable temperature and pressure, fixed background measurement conditions and frequent calibration
to obtain analytically valid results.
3.3.2 In line Analysers
Inline analysers are simpler in design and can measure directly in the process line, using a probe that
is chemically insensitive. However they are more susceptible to physical and chemical interference
from the sample matrix as measurement backgrounds are more changeable and they usually require
ex-situ calibration.
Despite their ability to acquire continuous real time data, their widespread application has been
limited due to the inability to reliably obtain accurate, cost effective water quality data.
3.4 Photometric optical sensor
Photometric optical sensors are among the most commonly used measurement principles for online
analysers. These methods are based on measuring the interaction of light with the sample and the
measurement principle is usually based on Beer – Lambert Law which states about a linear
relationship between absorbance and concentration of absorbing species. According to the law:

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I = Intensity of incident light
I0 = Intensity of transmitted light
= Molar absorbtivity (L/mol/cm)
C = Concentration of solution (mol/l)
L = Optical path length (cm)
Absorbance A = - log (I/I0) = * C * L
Sample
Intensity Iof incident Intensity Io of incident light
Optical Path Length

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They are often employed for their simplicity and rapid response. The majority of commercially
available photometric sensors fall into main three categories.
1. Colorimetric
2. UV Absorption and
3. UV Visible absorption
Optical sensors, such as non-destructive sensors arrays, have advantage over ISE (ion selective
electrodes) for water quality monitoring as in these analysers gross fouling and potential problems or
contamination can be detected by colour changes in the sample.
3.5 Ion Selective Electrodes (ISE)
ISEs are commonly employed as online sensors due to their speed and simplicity as well as low
maintenance and purchase cost. With careful use, frequent calibration ideal measurement conditions
being maintained, they can achieve higher accuracy and precision. Hence, in theory the
configuration and embodiment of an ISE makes it an ideal sensing probe for on-site, real time
monitoring applications.
Data obtained from online ISE measurements, although continuous, is usually semi-quantitative in
nature. This is because the analytical signal of the ISE is known to be affected by matrix interferences,
drift, contamination (e.g. by organic molecules), non-linear responses at the lower end of the
detection, temperature in the non ideal measurement conditions. These factors in turn cause
measurements errors. To improve its reliability, especially in the field, an ISE must be regularly
calibrated with standards and samples should be analysed according to prescribed measurement
conditions. However, the economic costs associated with calibration especially for instruments that
require ex-situ calibration with skilled personnel, have greatly limited its adoption.
3.6 Colorimetric
These are largely based on direct adaptation of APHA standard methods, which use reagents to obtain
desired complex ion formation to quantify the concentration at a specific wavelength. They require
regular calibration with standard reagents using Beer’s Law to maintain their calibrated online status.
3.7 UV Absorption
The measurement principle is based on specific absorption at a specified wavelength in the UV range.
They require conventional calibration according to Beer’s Law and standard reagents. The major
application includes determination of parameters like DO and Turbidity.
3.7.1 UV Vis Absorption Spectroscopy
This spectrophotometer records light attenuation in the wavelength region between 200 and 750 nm.
The measurement is performed in-situ, without sampling or sample pre-treatment, thus preventing
errors due to sampling, sample transport and storage etc. A measurement cycle takes between 20 and
60 seconds, making possible a high measuring frequency and detection of rapid changes. In order to
combine this high measurement frequency with high accuracy and sensitivity, the instrument is
equipped with a Xenon flash lamp as a light source and a concave holographic grating matched with a
256 pixel diode array as detector. For long-term stability of the signal produced, a split light-beam
design is used; one beam passes through the sample while the other travels along a parallel pathway
inside the instrument and thus acts as an internal reference beam. This second beam is used to cancel

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out fluctuations and interferences. These instruments are available for wide range of applications,
from ultra pure water (dissolved organics in the μg/lt range) up to concentrated wastewaters (organics
and non-dissolved materials in tens of grams /lt range).
The spectra, referred to as fingerprints obtained with such on-line spectrometers are used for the
characterization of the sampled water. The fingerprints are used to monitor changes in the water
composition through analysis of the general shape of the spectrum or absorption at a specific
wavelength. Furthermore, they are also used to derive more specific parameters, such as turbidity,
TSS, Color, nitrate, concentration and sum parameters such as COD (chemical oxygen demand), BOD
(biochemical oxygen demand) TOC (total organic carbon) and (dissolved organic carbon) DOC in
water analysis.
Turbidity, due to suspended substances, causes light scattering and shading, thus influencing the
absorption over the entire fingerprint. This is an important factor that influences in situ measurements
and requires compensation in order to obtain reliable and reproducible readings. Furthermore, it is
also used to estimate the concentration of single (groups of) substances, such as benzene, phenol,
xylene and toluene. The wavelengths used for determining all these parameters have been selected
using various analysis. The use of such multi-wavelength algorithms allows higher specificity than
can be achieved with conventional single, dual wavelength, Eight wavelengths etc. in UV range
photometry.
The methods usually employ patterns recognition techniques (PRT) to quantify the absorption profile
and convert it to an equivalent concentration for the particular water quality parameter of interest.
Usually these methods do not require sample pre treatment or daily calibration at the monitoring site
of interest. They are employed mainly because samples can be analysed with very little or no sample
preparation, no chemicals are required, and they have low operational costs. Such methods have been
developed for monitoring Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Organic Carbos (TOC),
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Nitrate.
3.8 Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Methodology
The organic carbon in water and wastewater is composed of a variety of organic compounds in
various oxidation states. Some of these carbon compounds can be oxidized further by biological or
chemical processes, and the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand
(COD) may be used to characterise these fractions. The presence of organic carbon that does not
respond to either the BOD or COD test makes them unsuitable for the measurement of total organic
carbon. Total organic carbon (TOC) is a more convenient and direct expression of total organic
content than either BOD or COD, but does not provide the same kind of information. If a repeatable
empirical relationship is established between TOC and BOD or COD, then TOC can be used to
estimate the accompanying BOD or COD. This relationship must be established independently for
each set of matrix conditions, such as various points in a treatment process. Unlike BOD or COD,
TOC is independent of the oxidation state of the organic matter and does not measure other
organically bound elements, such as nitrogen and hydrogen, and inorganics that can contribute to the
oxygen demand measured by BOD and COD. TOC measurement does not replace BOD and COD
testing.
3.8.1 TOC Analyser Configuration
Conductivity and Non dispersive infrared (NDIR) are the two common detection methods used in
modern TOC analysers.

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3.8.2 Conductivity based TOC analysers
Direct conductivity provides an all encompassing approach of measuring CO2. This detection method
uses no carrier gas, is good at the parts per billion (ppb) ranges, but has a very limited analytical
range.
Membrane conductivity relies upon the filtering of the CO2 prior to measuring it with a conductivity
cell. Both methods analyse sample conductivity before and after oxidization, attributing this
differential measurement to the TOC of the sample.
Conductivity analysis assumes that only CO2 is present within the solution. As long as this holds true,
then the TOC calculation by this differential measurement is valid.
3.8.3 Non Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) TOC Analysers
The principal advantage of using NDIR is that it directly and specifically measures the CO2 generated
by oxidation of the organic carbon in the oxidation reactor, rather than relying on a measurement of a
secondary, corrected effect, such as used in conductivity measurements.
Merits
 The low temperature techniques have the advantage of allowing a large volume of sample to be
analysed thereby improving the low limit of detection.
 Also the blank value is very low as long as the reagents are pure, which makes the analysis more
accurate
Limitations
 Usually the particulates are more difficult to oxidise by nature or organics escape exposure to the
reagents by being within the interstitial spaces of the particles.
 High molecular weight compounds such as proteins may be slow to oxidise with the low
temperature techniques.
3.8.4 Combustion Technique
The combustion technique uses heat at 680o
C or higher temperature in a stream of air, oxygen or
nitrogen and usually in presence of a catalyst. Dissolved organics and particulate organics are
expected to oxidise fully to carbon dioxide under these conditions. The catalysts vary from cupric
oxide, cobalt oxide or platinum on an alumina support.
Analysis range
The range of TOC measurement varies with oxidation method and detection technique. A
combustion/TOD method may measure upto 100% carbon in a sample, whereas the NDIR and
conductivity detectors vary in range from as low as 0.5ppb to 25,000 ppm.
3.9 Limitations of On-Line Analysers
In spite of the inherent advantages of on-line sensors/monitors, their wide application is still limited
due to the following reasons :

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 On-line monitoring suffers from more problems than laboratory-based methods because to date,
the majority of on-line monitoring technologies developed are direct adaptations of traditional,
laboratory-based analytical methods which were not originally designed for field applications.
Instead they are required to operate in extreme and variable measurement environments.
Consequently, these methods require frequent calibration and maintenance.
 In addition the analysers are often influenced from cross responses due to matrix variations
between the standards and samples analysed, as the measurement conditions are not controlled.
 Changes in sample matrix affect on-line analysers making it difficult to obtain continuous,
reliable measurement in the field.
 There are also significant economic and logistic costs associated with maintaining remote
equipment, as it is difficult for operators to detect problems such as sensor fouling.
 The problems associated with conventional on-line analysers are due to the fact that univariate
linear calibraton models derived from Gauss’s theory of least squares are employed to determine
unknown concentrations. Therefore, the samples and standards must be measured with equal
care, under the same measurement conditions, to obtain reproducible and accurate results. Since
such consistent measurement conditions are rarely present in the field this affects the operating
conditions required for reliable performance and causes a high degree of unreliability in the
results from online instrumentation.
 Due to this reason the users/regulatory authorities need to frequently validate their online results
with laboratory based methods.
 The cost associated with maintenance of these conventional instruments has also greatly limited
their wide spread application.
NOTE : The industry must take full preview of available technologies while product selection and
above referred limitations have to be curtailed.
3.10 System available
The pH is monitored using electrochemical sensors. High Turbidity interferes in pH measurements
besides the values are also impacted by variation in temperature.
The total suspended solids in the effluent are measured using various techniques including scattered
light method, UV visible absorption, comparative techniques like Nephelometric, etc.
The standards for industrial discharges as notified in the EP(Act) 1986 and the water Act 1974 specify
BOD and COD as the controlling parameter besides other specific parameters. Limited
instrumentation for direct monitoring of these parameters i.e. BOD COD on real time basis is
available. The methods available require intensive infrastructure, besides using chemicals in the
process which are released/discharged and can be a likely source of pollution. Besides the
measurement is in batches, as it may take upto 02 hours to analyze one sample depending upon the
concentration.
These are indirect methods available for estimating BOD COD. The 02 methods most commonly
used for estimating BOD COD in water and waste water samples are:
1) Deriving from TOC values and
2) Using UV Absorption spectrophotometry
In India TOC is not specified as a control parameter to industries or CETPs/STPs, therefore the values
of BOD COD has to be interpolated from TOC values.

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In the first method TOC is measured and based on the laboratory validation as regards to the observed
ratio of TOC:BOD TOC:COD a correlation factor is established. The method of TOC measurement
is approved. In the field TOC is monitored online using any of the approved principles i.e. persulfate
or heated persulfate oxidation method, high temperature combustion method and assessment made
through NDIR technique. Based on repeatable empirical relationship established between TOC, BOD
or COD for a specific waste water source accompanying BOD or COD can be estimated from the
recorded TOC values. This relationship between TOC:BOD TOC:COD must be established for
each set of matrix condition. Any change in waste water matrix impacts correlation between these
pollutants and hence necessitates regular validation of the relationship between these pollutants.
Considering the need of skilled manpower, the requirement of gases and other peripheral
requirements beside high OM cost for operating TOC Analysers, need of an alternative method was
felt.
The other method developed and deployed as a surrogate method is based on UV-Visible
Spectrophotometry. This UV-Vis spectral absorbance technology has been found to be less labour
intensive in comparison. The trade offs in the ability to compensate for the various interferences
should be taken into consideration. Some Instrument Suppliers have incorporated features in their
system to compensate for the interferences to improve their data quality.
Some of the systems based on UV-Vis spectrophotometry use a single wavelength (i.e 254nm) or
few wavelength bands to estimateCOD/BOD values . These system have measurement limitations..
The method is suitable for fairly stable water matrix. Turbidity interferes in the measurements of
COD and BOD. The measure is an indirect method as absorbance at specified wavelength is
measured and correlated with COD BOD.
Some other systems based on UV Visisible Spectrometry use the full spectrum involving
measurement of organics over the entire spectrum starting from 200 nm to 750 nm with adaptive
ranging capabilities. The system takes care of single bond organics also. Any change in matrix needs
recalibration of the system to assess the factor for determination of COD BOD. Preferred tools such
as multi-wavelength dual beam scanning in UV-Visible range with library of industrial matrices in
analyser with multi-point local adaptive calibrations help to have matrix change adaption seems better
for analyser. The measured values are determined from the spectral data . The calculation is based on
methods and characteristics that were achieved from a multitude of measurement and long time
analysis and the observation from UV spectra. Thus, correlations vary with the change in waste matrix
and these characteristics need to be frequently established in the beginning for better data quality vis-
à-vis the actual values monitoring using laboratory technique. Any change in the waste matrix
requires revalidation of the characteristics.
Some manufacturers have developed COD Analyser working on the same principle as the Laboratory
technique for monitoring of COD. Many other technologies using direct/indirect methods have been
introduced for monitoring of BOD COD.
Based on the discussion held with the instrument manufacturers/their Indian counterparts and the
information available in CPCB, list of various technologies available for monitoring of the pollutants
as specified in the directions given by CPCB under Section 18(1) (b) of the Water Air Acts has
been compiled and detailed in the table below:

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TABLE-1: TECHNOLOGIES AVAILABLE
Available Technologies Parameters Measured Applications
UV Spectrophotometry
(Single/two/four wavelengths)
COD, BOD Fresh Water Waste Water
analysis with constant matrix in
water source
UV-Vis Spectrophotometry
40 wavelength
COD, BOD, TSS Fresh Water Waste Water
analysis with Constant matrix in
water source
UV-Visible Spectrophotometry
(Single Beam)
COD, BOD, TSS Fresh Water Waste Water
analysis without interference check
and compensation
UV-Vis Spectrophotometry
(Double beam with entire
spectrum scanning)
COD, BOD, TSS Fresh water to Waste water analysis
Interference check for color and
turbidity and compensation.
Combines Combustion Catalytic
Oxidation at 680°C and NDIR
Method
TOC
(Co-relation with BOD
COD)
Fresh Water and Waste Water
analysis
UV Persulfate NDIR Detector TOC
COD)
Fresh Water Waste Water
analysis
Persulfate
Oxidation at 116-130degC
NDIR Detector
TOC
COD)
Fresh Water Waste Water
analysis
Measuring COD using
Potassium dichromate(K2Cr2O7)
+ Calorimetric
COD Fresh Water Waste Water
analysis
Electrode /Electrochemical
method
pH Fresh water Waste Water
analysis
Scattered Light Method (IR) TSS Fresh water Waste Water
analysis
Nephelometry Method TSS Fresh Water Less turbid water
analysis
Colorimetric
(645-655nm)
NH3 Process stream Waste Water
analysis.
Turbidity interference is there
which can be overcome
Ion Selective Electrode method
With temp correction
analysis.
which can be overcome.
UV Absorbance or Multiple
Wavelength UV Absorbance
Spectrophotometers (200-450nm)
analysis.
which can be overcome.
Colorimetric method
Reaction of Cr-VI with diphenyl
carbazide in acid solution
Chromium Fresh Water Waste Water
analysis.

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Voltammetry (Anodic Stripping
Voltammetry)
Chromium Fresh Water analysis.
Dual Beam UV-Visible
Spectrophotometry
Chromium Hexavalent
and Trivalent
Fresh water waste water analysis.
Voltammetry (Anodic Stripping
Voltammetry)
Arsenic Fresh Water analysis.
3.11 Assessment of technology
The various Monitoring Technologies presented or informed by the Instrument Manufacturers/their
Indian counterpart were recorded and based on the information available efforts made to assess the
suitability of the technologies/instrumentations for monitoring the effluent quality in different
matrices , keeping into considerations the limitations of the technologies, the varying Indian
environmental conditions and also the chemical attributes in the effluent channels of the industries or
the water bodies. Issues related to the use of reagents, maintenance required, operating costs, etc.,
wherever available were also considered. Table 2 compiled based on the information provided by
vendors/ Indian counterpart , indicates the suitability of the available technologies/ instrumentation
for monitoring different pollutants in varying matrices.
TABLE 2: SUITABILITY OF TECHNOLOGIES FOR DIFFERENT MATRICES
Available Technologies Parameters
Measured
Applications Limitations
UV Spectrophotometry
(Single /two /four
wavelengths)
COD, BOD Fresh Water analysis
with constant matrix
Suitable for fresh water and
not for waste water analysis.
Interference of colour
high turbidity.
Suitable for stable matrix.
Single bond organic
compounds are not
measured.
UV-Vis
Spectrophotometry
40 wavelength
COD, BOD,
TSS
Fresh Water Waste
Water analysis with
constant matrix
Many organic compounds
are unattended due to lesser
scanning of UV spectra.
Any matrix change would
require revalidation of
factor.
Sample pumping limitation.
UV-Visible
Spectrophotometry
(Single Beam)
COD, BOD,
TSS
Fresh Water Waste
Water analysis.
Interference due to colour
high turbidity affects the
analysis.
Reference beam
compensation not available.
factor.

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UV-Vis
Spectrophotometry
(Double beam with entire
spectrum scanning)
COD, BOD,
TSS
Fresh water to Waste
water analysis.
Interference of colour
turbidity is compensated in
visible spectrum.
factor.
Combines Combustion
Catalytic Oxidation at
680°C and NDIR Method
TOC
(Co-relation
with BOD
COD)
Fresh Water and Waste
Water analysis.
-Carrier gases required
-Continuous High power
requirement
-For Analyser:
Infrastructure is required
-More than 10-15 minutes
sampling frequency.
-Only TOC can be
measured.
-Any matrix change
requires fresh correlation to
COD BOD
UV Persulfate NDIR
Detector
TOC
(Co-relation
with BOD
COD)
Fresh Water Waste
Water analysis.
- Carrier gases required
- Continuous High power
requirement
-Analyser: Infrastructure
required.
-More than 10-15 minutes
sampling frequency.
-Only TOC can be
measured.
Any matrix change requires
fresh correlation to COD
BOD.
Persulfate
Oxidation at 116-
130degC
NDIR Detector
TOC
(Co-relation
with BOD
COD)
Fresh Water Waste
Water analysis.
Applicable for moderate
polluted effluent.
-Carrier gases required
-Analyser: Infrastructure
required
Any matrix change requires
fresh correlation to COD
BOD
Measuring COD using
Potassium
dichromate(K2Cr2O7) +
Calorimetric
COD Fresh Water Waste
Water analysis.
Discharge of hazardous
chemicals.
Electrode
/Electrochemical method
pH Fresh water Waste
Water analysis.
--Electrode life
Scattered Light Method
(IR)
TSS Fresh water Waste
Water analysis.
---
Nephelometry Method TSS Fresh Water Less
turbid water
Fresh Water analysis with
Low turbidity
Colorimetric
(645-655nm)
NH3 Fresh Water Waste
Water analysis.
Turbidity interference is
there which can be
overcome.

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3-15 min cycle time
Ion Selective Electrode
method With temp
correction
Water analysis.
Interference from
Potassium.
Requires additional
measurement of potassium
for compensation.
UV Absorbance or
Multiple Wavelength UV
Absorbance
Spectrophotometers
(200-450nm)
Water analysis.
Turbidity interference is
there which can be
overcome.
Colorimetric method
Reaction of Cr-VI with
diphenyl carbazide in
acid solution
Chromium Fresh Water Waste
Water analysis.
Experience in Indian
condition is not available.
Voltammetry (Anodic
Stripping Voltammetry)
Chromium Fresh Water analysis. Experience in Indian
condition is not available
Dual Beam UV-Visible
Spectrophotometry
Chromium
Hexavalent and
Trivalent in full
spectrum
Fresh water waste
water analysis.
Voltammetry (Anodic
Stripping Voltammetry)
Arsenic Fresh Water analysis. Experience in Indian
3.12 Issues with real time monitoring systems
The initial Indian experience of real time monitoring systems has not been very satisfactory. In most
of the cases the data obtained is either not reliable or is non- existent, since the systems are neither
operated nor maintained properly. The operation of real time system needs dedication and initiation,
both from both the Industry as well as the instrument supplier. It has been observed that due priority
is not given by the industry to operation of real time monitoring system and at the same time the
necessary support from the vendors is also not forthcoming. Effective operation of the real time
systems requires appointment of a dedicated person by the industry with responsibility to maintain
and operate the system by the Industry and the instrument supplier also considers its responsibility to
ensure trouble free operation of the system. It is therefore essential that the responsibility of both
the industry as well as the vendor needs to be clearly specified.
4.0 Site selection
For online RT EQMS, the location of the sensors is important and submersible In-situ sensors as
preferred option. If site does not permit then system with flow cell or extraction may be
opted, even though this would have been expected given the issues with sample conditioning
which may affect the measurement accuracy sometimes with a significant degree of variability.
The discharge point from ETP has to be selected to fix the insitu sensors or pump to
extract the sample for cabinet system. The insitu installation are preferred where sensor
can be fixed directly in the treated effluent channel.

CPCB Delhi Page 17
4.1 Quantification
Instrument Calibration: The following frequency has to be used for calibration of
analyser
 pH – once every week or as specified by manufacturer whichever is earlier
 COD – once every week or as specified by manufacturer whichever is earlier
 BOD – once every week or as specified by manufacturer whichever is earlier
 TSS – once every week or as specified by manufacturer whichever is earlier
 TOC – once every week or as specified by manufacturer whichever is earlier
 Temperature – once every month or as specified by manufacturer whichever is
earlier
The software must keep all calibration data points in memory for interpretation of
matrix change adaption.
4.2 System Validation
Online instrument operation will be evaluated using the known buffers, traceable standards
and laboratory techniques. By validating sensors and probes with known standards such as
KHP (potassium hydrogen phthalate) for COD TOC, Formazin equivalent standard for
TSS pH buffers have to be used to calculate a running variance of the measurements. When
the variance is outside of the set points, this can be an indication the monitor requires calibration
and service.
4.3 Parameter validation
Each parameter is validated with reference to standard laboratory analysis and
known standards.
Parameter Accuracy: Allowed Variability
The relative difference between online and laboratory measurements has to be between
 CODAccuracy ±10%
 BOD Accuracy ±10%.
 pH Accuracy ±0.2 pH
 TSSAccuracy +/-10%
4.4 Operation maintenance
 Daily Check – GPS Transmission, System Diagnostic alarms.
 Monthly Check – Sensors system cleaning, data backup, Parameter Calibration
as specified in calibration schedule.
 Periodic Check – System validation with known standards, Laboratory Online
parameters Comparative.
5.0 Reporting
The RT EQMS suppliers have to provide central server at CPCB and SPCB with latest
software to view the data in graphical/ tabular format and also to compare the data features.
One minute data average must be transmitted/retrieved to servers every 30 minutes. In the

CPCB Delhi Page 18
event of transmission loss the time stamped data in the datalogger memory must be
transmitted to fill from the last transmission break with a stamp of time delay. The software
should have two way communication, so that data from the system can be seen whenever
desired and remote of controller/data logger can be taken to visualize the immediate status of
the system.
5.1 Data Management
Considering the heterogeneity of real time monitoring systems industries are required to submit real
time data through their respective instrument suppliers. This mechanism has helped in consolidating
the data avoiding the complexity of different technologies and availability of monitored data in
different data formats and at the same time involving the instrument suppliers in data transferring
mechanism. The system enables two way communication required to manage such real time systems.
The basic functional capabilities of such software systems shall include:-
 The system should be capable of collecting data on real time basis without any human
intervention.
 The data generation, data pick up, data transmission; data integration at server end should be
automatic.
 The submitted data shall be available to the Boards, SPCBs/PCCs and CPCB for immediate
corrective action.
 Raw data should be transmitted simultaneously to SPCBs /PCCs and CPCB.
 In case of delay in collection of data due to any reason, the data transmission should be
marked delayed data and reports of delayed data should by displayed on the portal
 At no point of time, manual data handling should be permitted. Data validation should be
permitted only through the administrator and data changes recorded with date and time
stampings.
 Configurations of the systems once set up (through remote procedure) and verified, should
not be changed. In case any setting change is required it should be notified and recorded
through the authorized representatives only.
 The data submitted electronically shall be available to the data generator through internet, so
that corrective action if any required due to submission of erroneous data can be initiated by
the industry.
 The software should be capable to verify the data correctness which means at any given point
of time the regulatory authorities/data generator should be able to visualize the current data of
any location’s specific parameter.

CPCB Delhi Page 19
 A system for data validation shall be incorporated in the software with two stage/three stage
validation and fixed responsibilities of stakeholders as below;
a. Data Generator:
b. SPCBs/PCCs:
c. CPCB:
CPCB will help in data validation till such time, adequate expertise for data validation is
developed in the SPCBs/PCCs,)
 Change Request Management: window for requesting data changes due to actual field
conditions shall be provided to the industry in line to SPCB to consider the request or not.
 The site surrounding environmental conditions shall also be recorded along with other
environmental parameters, as these have the potential to affect the system adversely and
corrupt the data generated.
 System should have capability to depict data at the actual location of industry over the map.
CPCB and or SPCBs shall develop a map based system for data integration at a single
location.
 The software should be capable of analyzing the data with statistical tools and shall have the
following capabilities:
i) Statistical data analysis (customizable) for average, min., max., diurnal variation.
ii) Comparison of parameters of different locations in user selectable time formats i.e. in
graphical and tabular formats compatible to MS Excel, MS Word, *.txt etc.
iii) Capability of comparison of data with respect to standards/threshold values.
iv) Auto report and , auto mail generation etc.
v) Providing calibration database for further validation/correction of data.
vi) Transmitting data to different locations as per EC,CTE/CTO, and other directives in
force.
vii) Channel configuration for range, units etc.
viii) Providing data in export format on continuous basis through central/station computer
system to other system.
 Data transmission through different media like GPS, CDMA, Normal phone line, Datacards,
Broadband, 3G etc. (at least any two media supported).
 Data Storage for next five years.
 System should be connected to a backup power source with adequate capacity to avoid any
power disruption

CPCB Delhi Page 20
Considering the large volume of data required to be collated, compiled, processed and interpreted a
software system will be developed in future at CPCB in consultation with all SPCBs/PCCs exploring
common data format to collect data from different servers to a common server.
6.0 Available monitoring matrices Sector specific
Considering the technological limitations and issues related to installation, data management and
operation of real time systems efforts have been made to prepare a compilation of technologies
(Table-3) that can be considered by industries for installation. Table 3.0 also provides approximate
cost of installing such systems and communicating data to SPCBs/PCCs CPCB on real time basis.

CPCB Delhi Page 21
TABLE-3: DETAILS OF PARAMETERS AND FEASIBLE TECHNOLOGIES REQUIRED TO BE INSTALLED FOR REAL TIME
CONTINUOUS EFFLUENT MONITORING SYSTEMS IN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF INDUSTRIES IN INDIA.
Categ
ory
No.
Category
Name
Parameter
to be
monitored
Available Technologies Number
of
Vendors
Approx. Cost in Rs. Lakhs Remarks
1 Aluminium 1. pH 1. Electrode Method 10 0.75
2. BOD 1. UV-Vis Spectro-photometry (Entire
spectrum scanning)
4 16.00 (BOD+COD+TSS)
+Controller DAS Data Transmission
2. Combined Combustion Catalytic
Oxidation at 680°C and NDIR Method
(TOC)
4 28.00
(BOD+COD)
3. COD 1. UV-Vis Spectro-photometry (Entire
spectrum scanning)
4 Combined with BOD
(TOC)
4 Combined with BOD
4. TSS 1. Scattered light IR Method 4 3.00
2. UV-Vis Spectro-photometry (Single
wavelength)
4 3.00
5. Flow 1. Magnetic /Ultrasonic 4 0.75
2 Cement Nil -- -- -- No real time
monitoring
required for
Effluent.
3 Distillery 1. pH 1. Electrode Method 10 0.75 In case of unit has

CPCB Delhi Page 22
2. BOD 1. UV-Vis Spectro-photometry
(Entire spectrum scanning)
achieved ZLD
condition 1 2 of
the notes after the
table shall have to
be complied.
Method (TOC)
4 28.00
(BOD+COD)
3. COD 1. UV-Vis Spectro-photometry
4 Combined with BOD
Method (TOC)
4 Combined with BOD
2. UV-Vis Spectro-photometry
(Single wavelength)
4 3.00
4 Dye and
dye
intermediat
e
1. pH 1. Electrode Method 10 0.75
2. BOD 1. UV-Vis Spectro-photometry
Method(TOC)
4 28.00
(BOD+COD)
3. COD 1. UV-Vis Spectro-photometry
4 Combined with BOD
Method (TOC)
4 Combined with BOD

CPCB Delhi Page 23
3. UV-Vis Spectro-photometry
(Single wavelength)
4 3.00
5. Cr 1. Colorimetric method 3 12.00 Cr – Process Specific
conditions is not
available.
2. UV-Vis Spectroscopy (Entire
spectrum scanning)
4 10.00
5 Chlor Alkali 1. pH 1. Electrode method 10 0.75
2. UV-Vis Spectrophotometry
(Single Wavelength)
4 3.00
6 Fertilizers
Urea Plant
2. Ammonical
Nitrogen
Ion Selective Electrode method
With temp correction
3.00
UV Vis Spectrophotometers (Entire
spectrum scanning)
4 3.00
Fertilizers
(DAP)
Fertilizers 1. pH 1. Electrode Method 10 0.75

CPCB Delhi Page 24
(Phospheric
acid SSP)
2. Fluoride - - - Fluoride -Since reliable
real time monitoring
systems are not
available, manual
monitoring system as
practised shall be
continued
3. Flow 0.75
7 Iron Et
steel
1. pH Electrode method 10 0.75 Cynide Phenol -Since
reliable real time
monitoring systems are
not available, manual
monitoring system as
practised shall be
continued
2. Phenol - - -
3. Cynide - - -
8 Oil refinery 1. pH 1. Electrode Method 10 0.75
spectrum scanning)
(TOC)
4 28.00
(BOD+COD)
spectrum scanning)
4 Combined with BOD
(TOC)
4 Combined with BOD
2. UV-Vis Spectro-photometry (Single 4 3.00

CPCB Delhi Page 25
wavelength)
9 Petro-
chemicals
spectrum scanning)
(TOC)
4 28.00
(BOD+COD)
spectrum scanning)
4 Combined with BOD
(TOC)
4 Combined with BOD
wavelength)
4 3.00
10 Pesticides 1. pH 1. Electrode Method 10 0.75
spectrum scanning)
(TOC)
4 28.00
(BOD+COD)
spectrum scanning)
4 Combined with BOD
4 Combined with BOD

CPCB Delhi Page 26
(TOC)
wavelength)
4 3.00
6. Chromium 1. Colorimetric method 3 12.00 ChromiumArsenic–
conditions is not
available.
spectrum scanning)
4 10.00
5. Arsenic 1. Voltammetry 2 20.00
11 Pharmaceu
ticals
spectrum scanning)
(TOC)
4 28.00
(BOD+COD)
spectrum scanning)
4 Combined with BOD
(TOC)
4 Combined with BOD
wavelength)
4 3.00
5. Chromium 2. Colorimetric method 3 12.00 ChromiumArsenic–
Conditions is not2. UV-Vis Spectroscopy (Entire 4 10.00

CPCB Delhi Page 27
spectrum scanning) available.
6. Arsenic 1. Voltammetry 2 20.00
7. 1. Magnetic /Ultrasonic 4 0.75
12 Power
Plants
wavelength)
4 3.00
3. Tempe-
rature
1. Electrode Methods 10 0.75
13 Pulp
Paper
spectrum scanning)
(TOC)
4 28.00
(BOD+COD)
spectrum scanning)
4 Combined with BOD
(TOC)
4 Combined with BOD
4. AOx 1. UV-Vis Spectrophotometry 1 20.00 AOx – Process Specific.
Some vendors claim
that AOx can be
monitored on real time
basis. But there is no
experience in Indian
conditions.

CPCB Delhi Page 28
wavelength)
4 3.00
14 Sugar 1. pH 1. Electrode Method 10 0.75
spectrum scanning)
(TOC)
4 28.00
(BOD+COD)
spectrum scanning)
4 Combined with BOD
(TOC)
4 Combined with BOD
wavelength)
4 3.00
15 Tannery 1. pH 1. Electrode Method 10 0.75
spectrum scanning)
(TOC)
4 28.00
(BOD+COD)
spectrum scanning)
4 Combined with BOD

CPCB Delhi Page 29
(TOC)
4 Combined with BOD
wavelength)
4 3.00
5. Cr 1. Colorimetric method 3 12.00 Cr – Process Specific
conditions is not
available.
spectrum scanning)
4 10.00
16 Zinc 1. pH 1. Electrode Method 10 0.75
wavelength)
4 3.00
3. Flow 0.75
17 Copper 1. pH 1. Electrode Method 10 0.75
wavelength)
4 3.00
18 Textile and
Bleaching
(GPI)
spectrum scanning)
4 12.00 (COD+TSS)
4 24.00
(COD)

CPCB Delhi Page 30
(TOC) +Controller DAS Data Transmission
wavelength)
4 3.00
19 Dairy
(GPI)
spectrum scanning)
(TOC)
4 28.00
(BOD+COD)
spectrum scanning)
4 Combined with BOD
(TOC)
4 Combined with BOD
wavelength)
4 3.00
20 Slaughter
House
(GPI)
spectrum scanning)
(TOC)
4 28.00
(BOD+COD)

CPCB Delhi Page 31
spectrum scanning)
4 Combined with BOD
(TOC)
4 Combined with BOD
wavelength)
4 3.00
21 Other
Engineering
units like
Electroplati
ng
spectrum scanning)
4 12.00 (COD+TSS)
(TOC)
4 24.00
(COD)
wavelength)
4 3.00
Ni 1. Voltametery 1 20.00 Ni, Cr – Process Specific
conditions is not
available.
Cr 1. Colorimetric method 3 12.00
spectrum scanning)
4 10.00
22 Other units
of Soft
Drinks and
spectrum scanning)

CPCB Delhi Page 32
Food 2. Combined Combustion Catalytic
(TOC)
4 28.00
(BOD+COD)
spectrum scanning)
4 Combined with BOD
(TOC)
4 Combined with BOD
wavelength)
4 3.00
Notes:-
1. Industries claiming Zero discharge and not discharging effluent outside the premises will have to install Camera and flow meter in the channel / drain provided
for carrying the effluent from within the industry premises.
2. For industries achieving Zero Liquid Discharge by utilizing effluent for irrigation/gardening will have to install Real time monitoring systems.
3. In case of parameters specified in Consent to Operate/Environmental Clearance and where real time monitoring technology is not well established, the
parameters will be analysed using established laboratory methods atleast once in three months or as per the frequency specified in Consent to Operate/EC
whichever is more.
4. The table/matrix will be updated in April, 2015, incorporating any new technology/instrumentation.

CPCB Delhi Page 33
7.0 Observations
Online analyzers are a better tool to extend in-time information on compliance of ETP and
CETP to the prescribed norms to regulator. The real time measurement for important
parameters will give detail information continuously which laboratory instruments fail to give as
random once in a month or quarter information is too less to understand discharge
compliance.
8.0 Conclusions
1. The industries falling in 17 category of highly polluting industries, the grossly polluting
industries discharging directly/indirectly into river Ganga or its tributaries, Common Effluent
Treatment Plants (CETP) and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), Common Bio Medical waste
and Common Hazardous waste incinerators have to install real time effluent quality
monitoring system. The installation of the system should be completed by March 31,2015.
2. The parameter i.e. Flow, pH, TSS, COD, BOD, and Ammonia will be monitored by
installing Real Time Monitoring Systems. Other parameters specified in the consent to
operate/Environmental Clearance will be monitored on quarterly basis using the established
laboratory methods.
3. In case of industries having adopted Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) the units shall install IP
camera with PAN, TILT Zoom, 5x or above focal length, with night vision capability and
flow meters in the channel/drain provided for carrying the effluent from within the premises
of the unit.
4. The industries meeting ZLD norms by utilizing the treated effluent for irrigation shall install
real time monitoring system at the outlet of ETP, to monitor the quality of treated effluent.
5. As the data from real time systems is monitored at very short duration, regular fluctuation will
be observed 10% exceedence of values over the prescribed norm shall not be considered for
action presently. In case of regular noncompliance by the units the existing method of
sampling, analysis and related procedure under the existing norms need to be continued for
regulatory purpose and for purpose of actions against the unit.
6. The software will give alarm, in case of the concentration of parameter exceeds the prescribed
norms by 10% continuously.
7. The responsibility of data submission lies with the Individual units. The instrument supplier
will facilitate data transmission on behalf of industries. Industry will ensure at least 85% data
availability from the system installed.
8. The vendors/instrument supplier shall install their server in SPCB/PCCs and CPCB for
transferring data from the real time system.
9. CPCB in consultation with SPCBs/PCCs shall explore the possibility to identify a common
protocol, so that the data from the real time systems can be transferred directly to the server
installed by SPCBs/PCCs and CPCB in a compatible form.
10. The vendor/instrument supplier shall make provisions to provide data continuously at least 04
locations in SPCBs/PCCs, RO/DO of CPCB, and industry directly from the analyzers.
11. In case of system requiring pumping of samples, the instrument supplier/vendors has to
ensure that dilution of sample is not possible and in case of any dilution, the system gives
alarm.
12. The SPCBs/PCCs will identify a team of officials for plausibility control of data received.
The team members will be responsible for validating, interpreting and interpolation of data on
daily basis.

CPCB Delhi Page 34
13. The vendor /instrument supplier will regularly cross check the data obtained from real time
system with that of the samples collected manually and analyzed using approved laboratory
techniques and revalidate the factor for interpolation/extrapolation of COD/BOD values
essential for generating better quality data. The industry will take responsibility of
establishing co-relation factor.
14. The industries shall ensure that the monitoring systems are covered under Comprehensive
Maintenance Contract with the vendors/ authorized Indian service partners of the instrument
manufacturer for atleast during the next 05 years after the installation.
15. The authorized Indian service partner/instrument manufacturer shall ensure that any problem
in monitoring system/data acquisition and transfer system does not persist beyond 72 hours.
16. The vendors/instrument manufacturers shall ensure availability of spare parts for at least 07
years after installation of the system.
17. The industry should take Bank Guaranty (BG) equivalent to 25% of the cost of the Real Time
Monitoring Systems from the manufacturer of the system or its authorised Indian counterpart.
The BG is taken to ensure optimal performance of the system including 85% data captive
rates, providing reliable accurate data.
18. As nearly all the RTEQMS are manufactured abroad, the Indian Bidder has to provide copy
of the authorization from the original instrument manufacturer for bidding on his behalf
19. Role of manufacturers/supplier authorised Indian Service Partner:
o Supply and install equipment suitable to monitor the effluent quality in the available
matrix
o Supply all the supporting equipment, analysers and software
o Supply equipment/instruments capable of monitoring/measuring the parameters
identified in the range of occurrence in the industrial unit
o Supplied software should establish two way communication sending diagnostics of
instruments on demand, with central servers at SPCBs/PCCs and CPCB
o The software should be capable of transmitting the data along with diagnostics of the
instrument
Note : Efforts have been made to include all available monitoring technologies /instrumentation in the
document. In case any technology /instrumentation is not covered or is introduced subsequently the
details be forwarded to CPCB, so that the same can be incorporated while reviewing this document
after a few months.

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