Water Trails & Water Pollution

Treating Water Pollution - Ozone Wastewater Treatment

Ozone wastewater treatment is a method that is increasing in popularity. An ozone generator is used to break down pollutants in the water source.

• The generators convert oxygen into ozone by using ultraviolet radiation or by an electric discharge field.

• Ozone is a very reactive gas that can oxidize bacteria, moulds, organic material and other pollutants found in water.

• Using ozone to treat wastewater has many benefits:

  • Kills bacteria effectively.

• Oxidizes substances such as iron and sulfur so that they can be filtered out of the solution.

• There are no nasty odors or residues produced from the treatment.

• Ozone converts back into oxygen quickly, and leaves no trace once it has been used.

• The disadvantages of using ozone as a treatment for wastewater are:

  • The treatment requires energy in the form of electricity; this can cost money and cannot work when the power is lost.

  • The treatment cannot remove dissolved minerals and salts.

  • Ozone treatment can sometimes produce by-products such as bromate that can harm human health if they are not controlled.