- The standard potassium dichromate method (DIN 38409 H41-H44) dominates the market. It is also available in a modified form as cuvette tests (DIN ISO 15705:2003). Here, potassium dichromate is used as an oxidising agent, silver sulphate as a catalyst, as well as sulphuric acid. Mercuric chloride is also used to mask chloride interferences. This risky chemical cocktail is heated after the aqueous sample has been added, and then simmered for approx. two hours. The oxygen demand is calculated from the concentration of residual dichromate.