Uses of ozone and its adverse effect?

Answer 1

Beneficial uses in Civil Engineering (for other uses, see link below) # Flocculant - small doses added early in processing surface waters helps natural compounds in the water act as flocculants. # Oxidant - added at any step, it serves to oxidize soluble metals to (usually) insoluble states, and organic molecules such as MIB and geosmin to a state where BAC can consume them... removing / reducing common precursors for THM and HAA formation. Bromate production discussed below. # Sterilant - added after initial processing, it will kill any non-colony-forming or non-slime-forming organism faster and/or at lower doses than chlorine. Things to watch for: # Ozone is not the entire "swiss army knife" of water treatment. # Ozone off gas must be contained. (Ozone destructors are available.) # Ozone is corrosive to steel, uncoated ductile iron, most common gasket materials, and most paints. Concrete is unaffected by the presence of ozone. # Ozone capital equipment is higher than regular chemical feed, but payback can be short (even with power included). # Ozone requires more maintenance than standard chemical feed. # Ozone decays naturally in water in minutes (well or surface water) to hours (ultrapure). # Ozone survives about 1 cm or less into carbon filter beds, or even DE or sand filter beds. Adverse effects of ozone # The EPA has declared that the bromate ion is a "potential human carcinogen". Ozone converts natural bromide ion found in some water sources to bromate, requiring monitoring and control. The effective elements are: bromide present+, pH-, ozone dose * time in contact+, contaminants- (+ means increase in this increase bromate production, and - the opposite). Note that all chemical oxidizers can, in the presence of visible light, produce bromate from bromide ion... not just ozone. # Ozone cannot be used as the secondary sterilant (added to water-to-distribution). Not only will it tend to damage common distribution system materials, but it will decay back to oxygen, leaving the balance of the distribution system unprotected from infection (or sustained colonization).

Answer 2

Ozone (O3) has various uses across different industries and applications, primarily due to its strong oxidizing properties. Some of the common uses of ozone include:

Water Treatment: Ozone is used as a disinfectant in water treatment processes. It effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, making it an alternative to traditional chlorine-based disinfection methods. Ozone is also used to remove color, odor, and organic contaminants from water.

Air Purification: Ozone generators are used for air purification in industries, commercial buildings, and residential spaces. Ozone helps eliminate odors, smoke, and airborne pollutants by oxidizing them. However, it is important to use ozone generators with caution and ensure proper ventilation, as high ozone concentrations can be harmful to humans and animals.

Food Processing: Ozone is used in the food industry for various purposes, including disinfection, preservation, and removal of pesticides or contaminants from fruits and vegetables. It helps extend the shelf life of perishable food items by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and mold.

Medical Applications: Ozone has limited medical applications and is used in certain therapeutic treatments. For example, ozone therapy is sometimes used in alternative medicine to treat certain conditions, such as chronic wounds or joint pain. However, its medical use is controversial and not widely accepted in conventional medicine.