Study of water disinfection by analyzing the ozone decomposition process

Abstract

Possessing high binding energy, molecular ozone (O₃) is not stable and spontaneously breaks down into oxygen especially at high temperature. It is called thermal decomposition of ozone. On other hand, ozone with high redox potential (2.06 V) is considered to be a powerful oxidant. In water ozone reacts with both of inorganic and organic substances. Interaction of ozone with the matters consumes an amount of ozone dissolved in water. So by analysing the ozone decomposition curves, we can measure and calculate the reaction rate R, rate constant k, the half-life time and reaction order of the ozone reaction with the matters. These parameters indicate the disinfection ability of ozone and its mechanism. Calculated value of half-life time can be used to estimate the water quality and the water disinfection level.