Improved ozone oxidation (EO)

Given the increasing concentration of industrial and chemical pollutants in surface and groundwater, the need for more effective treatment methods is becoming increasingly urgent. The Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) is one of the most effective technologies for degrading persistent pollutants such as complex organic compounds, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and hazardous chemicals. This process converts pollutants into harmless or biodegradable compounds by generating highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (•OH). In this article, we explain the functionality, advantages and disadvantages, and possible applications of ozone air purifiers.

1. What is Advanced Ozone Oxidation (AOP)?

The term “AOP” refers to a group of chemical processes that oxidize organic and inorganic pollutants by generating hydroxyl radicals. Ozone (O₃) acts as a powerful oxidizing agent and, in combination with catalysts such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) , ultraviolet radiation (UV) , or semiconductor catalysts , generates free radicals with significantly greater oxidizing power than pure ozone.

Types of ozone-based chemical ozone analysis methods:

Ozone/hydrogen peroxide (O₃/H₂O₂)
Ozone/UV (O₃/UV)
Ozone/catalyst (O₃/catalyst)
Ozone/Ultrasound (O₃/US)

2. Mechanism of action of Ozone AOP

The process of deep oxidation with ozone takes place in several steps:

a) Formation of ozone

Ozone is produced using an ozone generator from pure oxygen (O₂) or air:

$3O2 3O2 \to 2O3$

b) Activation of ozone and generation of hydroxyl radicals

Ozone is degraded by factors such as ultraviolet light or hydrogen peroxide and forms OH-free radicals:

$O_{3} + H_{2} O_{2} \to • O H + O_{2}$ $O_{3} + U V \to O_{2} + O^{•} \to • O H$

c) Oxidation of pollutants

Hydroxyl radicals react with organic pollutants and break them down into simpler compounds (CO₂, H₂O and inorganic acids):

$safe products • OH + pollutants \to safe products$

d) Final cleaning

After oxidation, the remaining materials can be removed by filtration or adsorption.

3. Benefits of enhanced ozone oxidation

Removes persistent pollutants:      Breaks down compounds that cannot be removed using conventional methods (e.g., pharmaceuticals, hormones, and PFAS).
Fast reaction:      Hydroxyl radicals take only seconds    to degrade pollutants.
No harmful residues:      Unlike chemical methods like coagulation, no solid byproducts are formed.
Removes odors and dyes:      Effectively removes dyes and odors from water.
Environmentally friendly:      The end products are typically water, carbon dioxide, and mineral salts.

4. Disadvantages and problems of ozone AOP

High start-up costs:      Ozone generators and UV systems are expensive.
High energy consumption:      Ozone and UV production require a lot of electricity.
Formation of byproducts:      In some cases, toxic intermediates such as bromates and aldehydes can be formed.
Precise control required:      Optimizing ozone and catalyst dosage is crucial.

5. Application of Ozone AOP

a) Purification of drinking water

Removes microbial and chemical contaminants.
Reduces unwanted taste and odor.

b) Food and pharmaceutical industries

Degradation of antibiotic and hormone residues in industrial wastewater
Disinfection of the production line

c) Chemical and petrochemical industry

Treatment of wastewater containing phenol, hydrocarbons and organic solvents

d) Treatment of grey and industrial wastewater

Water reuse in the textile and electronics industries

6. Comparison of AOP with other cleaning methods

Cleaning methods	To use	Shortage	suitable
AOP (ozone/H₂O₂/UV)	Quick removal of stubborn stains	High costs and high energy consumption	Pharmaceutical and chemical industry
Membrane filtration	Removes small particles without the use of chemicals.	The membrane is clogged and replacing it is expensive.	drinking water
Surface adsorption (activated carbon)	Effectively removes color and odor.	Carbon recovery requirements and operating costs	municipal water treatment
Activated sludge	Cost-effective bioremediation	Requires a lot of space and is sensitive to stress.	Municipal wastewater

7. Conclusion

Advanced ozonation (AOO) is a powerful technology for purifying water and wastewater from emerging pollutants. Although implementation costs are higher than traditional methods, its unique ability to destroy toxic and persistent compounds makes it an ideal solution for modern industries. With the development of cost-effective technologies and effective catalysts, the use of AOO is expected to increase in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AOP technology suitable for small wastewater treatment plants?
No, this method is generally suitable for large industrial plants and oil refineries that need to remove specific pollutants.

Is residual ozone in water harmful? Yes, excess
ozone must be degraded or removed before drinking to prevent it from harming human health.

Can AOPs remove microplastics?
Yes, some studies have shown that AOPs can degrade microplastics, but more research is needed.

What is the lifespan of an ozonizer?
With proper maintenance, an ozonizer typically lasts 10 to 15 years.

We hope this article provides comprehensive information on best practices for ozone treatment. Contact a water treatment specialist for information on pricing and AOP system design.