Ozone as a Disinfectant
Ozone As A Disinfectant
Joey Finnegan
Section 01
October 3, 2010
Ozone is a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms. Ozone is an unstable gas that can destroy bacteria and viruses. Ozone can have many different effects on humans depending on where it is in the atmosphere,. Some of these effects can be harmful although some can be good. An excess, or high concentration of ozone in an inclosed area can be quite harmful to humans although in moderation and if used properly ozone can be a safe alternative to disinfecting. Ozone can be used in the disinfecting process and it has many advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Ozone is more effective than chlorine in destroying viruses and bacteria and after ozone there are no regrowth microorganisms unlike ultraviolet and chlorine disinfection. Also ozonation, which is a water treatment process that kills microorganisms, increases the dissolved oxygen concentration of the discharged wastewater. The increase in dissolved oxygen can improve the oxygen content of the receiving body of water. Another adcantage is Ozone is generated onsite, and thus, there are fewer safety problems associated with shipping and handling. (2) On the other hand at higher concentrations ozone can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections. People vary widely in their susceptibility to ozone (1). Another disadvantage is that ozone is ver reactive due to the weak bond in the extra oxygen molecule so it can react with many of the particles in the air and other surfaces can be easily corroded. Also There is no measurable residual to indicate the efficacy of ozone disinfection. (2) For consumers a way to naturally purify air is to buy a very low emitting ozone generator although in homes these can be quite dangerous. Ozone home air
Joey Finnegan
Section 01
October 3, 2010
Ozone is a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms. Ozone is an unstable gas that can destroy bacteria and viruses. Ozone can have many different effects on humans depending on where it is in the atmosphere,. Some of these effects can be harmful although some can be good. An excess, or high concentration of ozone in an inclosed area can be quite harmful to humans although in moderation and if used properly ozone can be a safe alternative to disinfecting. Ozone can be used in the disinfecting process and it has many advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Ozone is more effective than chlorine in destroying viruses and bacteria and after ozone there are no regrowth microorganisms unlike ultraviolet and chlorine disinfection. Also ozonation, which is a water treatment process that kills microorganisms, increases the dissolved oxygen concentration of the discharged wastewater. The increase in dissolved oxygen can improve the oxygen content of the receiving body of water. Another adcantage is Ozone is generated onsite, and thus, there are fewer safety problems associated with shipping and handling. (2) On the other hand at higher concentrations ozone can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections. People vary widely in their susceptibility to ozone (1). Another disadvantage is that ozone is ver reactive due to the weak bond in the extra oxygen molecule so it can react with many of the particles in the air and other surfaces can be easily corroded. Also There is no measurable residual to indicate the efficacy of ozone disinfection. (2) For consumers a way to naturally purify air is to buy a very low emitting ozone generator although in homes these can be quite dangerous. Ozone home air