CHEMISTRY OF OZONE IN TREATMENT OF WATER

The known chemistry of O3 in water is reviewed. The potential disinfection efficiencies of O3 and its probable dissociation species in water are considered. The dissociation products of O3 in water may be more powerful oxidizing agents than O3 itself. The similarity between the reactions of organic compounds with O3 in aqueous solution and with the hydroxyl radical indicates that the hydroxyl radical may be mainly responsible for the high oxidative potential of O3 in water.