Ozone, or trioxygen, is a three-atom oxygen molecule with the chemical formula O3. It’s a pale blue gas with a distinct odor that can be detected at levels as low as 0.1 ppm. Ozone is found in low quantities in nature and is produced from oxygen, ultraviolet (UV) light, and electrical discharges, such as lightning.

The highest concentration of ozone in the natural world is in the stratosphere’s ozone layer, which absorbs nearly all solar UV radiation.

Ozonation is the most cost-effective approach for removing air and water from a time and cost standpoint, with applications in a wide range of industrial sectors. Furthermore, because ozone destroys contaminants without generating any potentially harmful byproducts, it is the most environmentally friendly and sustainable treatment approach.

Ozone Oxidation Benefits

Ozone’s oxidative powers are considerable; it is very easily soluble in water and has the ability to break down a wide range of substances and germs. Because of its abilities, ozone is an excellent way to destroy air and water against most pollutants or contaminants.  

Some notable ozone oxidation benefits include:

  1. Efficient odor, taste and color remover.
  2. Easily detectable at low concentrations by humans, thereby safe to manage.
  3. Eliminates a wide range of bacteria over 3000 times faster than chlorine.
  4. Regulatory framework in place for human exposure in most countries.
  5. FDA-approved for direct contact with food.
  6. Extends the shelf life of most food products.
  7. Over 50% more efficient at breaking through bacteria membranes compared to chlorine.
  8. Decomposes into oxygen gas leaving none of the byproducts that might pose health risks.
  9. Easily and economically produced on the spot, ready to be applied.
  10. Potent disinfectant at low concentrations.
  11. It is safest to work with because it is the most powerful oxidizing agent commercially accessible. The main reason for this is that it must be generated on site since it cannot be kept.

Ozone has been shown to transform biorefractory organic substances into biodegradable ones when used to treat potable water, wastewater, and landfill leachate. Because of this, combining ozone with subsequent biological treatment may more cost-effectively produce water or sewage with lower amounts of dangerous organic chemicals than any other method utilized alone.

Although Ozone is only partially soluble in water, still it is sufficiently soluble and stable for its oxidation and disinfection properties to be fully utilized.

Bottom Line

Ozone is a highly reactive substance that kills germs, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms up to 50 times more effectively than chlorine bleach. Ozone generation on-site also reduces additional expenses and environmental effects of storage and distribution. Ozone is a powerful oxidant and disinfectant for the treatment of air and watery solutions.