Comparing
chlorine to ozone for treating waterWhen comparing disinfection efficiency, Ozone is 25 x more effective
than Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), 2,500 x better than Hypochlorite (OCl)
and 5,000 x more than Chloramine (NH2Cl). These results are measured
from the comparison of CT constants ? the Concentration x Time needed
to kill 99.99% of all micro-organisms. Chlorine reacts with organic
materials to form organics containing Chlorine such as Chloroform,
Carbon Tetrachloride, Chloromethane and others, generally known as
Trihalomethanes (THMs).
Ozone reacts with Organics to break them down into simpler
compounds. These organics (Oxalic Acid for example) do not readily
break down all the way to Carbon Dioxide with just Ozone, but if
subjected to bacterial degradation on activated charcoal, they will be
removed. This water can be later treated with a low level of Chlorine,
say 0.2-0.3 ppm, to maintain sanitation in the distribution system.
This way no THMs will be formed. THMs have been implicated as
carcinogens in the development of Kidney, Bladder and Colon Cancer. The
regulatory authorities are again decreasing the allowable levels of
THMs in Community water systems. At the present time the limit is 0.05
ppm. Based on the scientific research, the level will be most likely
soon be lowered to 0.01 ppm.
Ozone does not react significantly with THMs as they are more
resistant to oxidation - it takes a very long time to achieve full
oxidation. Some THMs are removed as a result of physical sparging by
the aeration action of the ozone/air mixture.