Water disinfection with ozone at the production of drinking bottled water

Properties of Ozone:

• Oxidizing Agent: Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent. It readily reacts with organic and inorganic substances, breaking down complex molecules into simpler, less harmful forms.
• Disinfectant: Ozone is an excellent disinfectant that can kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms by damaging their cell membranes and disrupting their metabolic processes.
• Short Half-Life: Ozone has a short half-life, which means it breaks down into oxygen (O2) relatively quickly, leaving no harmful residues.

Advantages of Ozone in Water Bottling:

• Effective Disinfection: Ozone effectively sterilizes water and surfaces, ensuring that the water used for bottling is free from harmful microorganisms.
• Removal of Contaminants: Ozone can break down and remove organic and inorganic contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, algae, and odor-causing compounds.
• No Chemical Residue: Unlike some chemical disinfectants, ozone leaves no chemical residues in the water, making it safe for consumption.
• Extended Shelf Life: By sterilizing both water and bottles, ozone treatment can help extend the shelf life of bottled water and prevent microbial growth during storage.
• Environmentally Friendly: Ozone is a green technology because it decomposes into oxygen, leaving no harmful byproducts. It reduces the need for chemical disinfectants, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Technology of Treatment of Bottling Systems with Ozone:

• Ozone Generation: Ozone is generated on-site using ozone generators. Common methods for ozone generation include corona discharge, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and electrolysis.
• Ozone Injection: Ozone is injected into the water as a gas or as ozone-enriched air. It can be introduced at various stages of the water bottling process, such as pre-filtration or post-filling.
• Contact Time: To ensure effective disinfection and contaminant removal, water is exposed to ozone for a specific contact time. This may involve using ozone contact tanks or chambers.
• Bottle Sterilization: Bottles can be sterilized by exposing them to ozone gas or ozone-enriched water before filling. This prevents microbial contamination of the bottles.
• Quality Control: Monitoring and control systems are used to measure and adjust ozone levels, ensuring that the water meets desired quality and safety standards.

Environmentally Safe Method of Water Purification:

Ozonation is considered an environmentally safe method of water purification for several reasons:

• It does not produce harmful chemical residues or byproducts.
• It reduces the need for chemical disinfectants, minimizing chemical waste.
• Ozone decomposes into oxygen, contributing to air quality improvement.
• It promotes sustainable water use and reduces the environmental impact of water treatment processes.