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What is ozone?
Ozone is a very active form of oxygen. It is formed when oxygen is exposed to
a high-energy field causing some oxygen molecules (O2) to break down to oxygen
atoms (O. The oxygen atoms (O) then react with the oxygen molecules (O2) to
form ozone (O3). Notice that this is a reversible reaction meaning that ozone
can decompose back to oxygen.
Is ozone found in nature?
 
Yes, ozone is formed by lightning.
In nature, ozone is produced by the action of lightning on the oxygen found
in the air. The formation of ozone leads to the fresh smell that you find
outside after a lightning storm. One type of ozone generator, known as the
corona discharge type, mimics this natural process in its ozone generating
cells.
Also, the ozone layer found in the upper
stratosphere protects the earth's surface from harmful UV rays. UV rays cleave
oxygen molecules into oxygen atoms which recombine to form ozone. UV rays also
excite ozone molecules causing them to breakdown to oxygen to begin the cycle
again. In this way, the energy of the UV rays is absorbed by the "ozone layer"
protecting the Earth's surface from their harmful effects. UV-type ozone
generators mimic this natural process.
What can ozone be used for?
The very reactive nature of ozone makes it the ideal oxidant for air and
water treatment. Ozone will:
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destroy bacteria and viruses
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precipitate heavy metals (example iron and manganese) allowing them to be
filtered
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eliminate color from water (for example, like the yellowish
color caused
by tannin)
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remove rotten egg smell from water (caused by hydrogen sulfide)
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oxidize organic compounds to form compounds that can be easily flocculated
and filtered or to form water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
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eliminate bad odors from air
What happens to unreacted ozone?
Unreacted ozone converts back to oxygen - leaving behind no harmful
by-products!
General Applications
Applications include pool & spa treatment , home drinking water
treatment, irrigation water treatment, smoke odor elimination from air, seafood
storage… the list goes on and on.
The collage below shows but a few areas where ozone has been used
successfully to improve water and air quality and to improve industrial
processes.
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