Ozone Chemistry:

The rate of reaction between ozone and dissolved compounds depends on the concentration of ozone and the concentration of the specific compound in the aqueous phase. The effects of ozone on constituents normally found in water to be treated can be summarized as follows:

• Most unsaturated organics and hydrocarbons react rapidly.
• Hydrogen and/or halogen saturated organics and hydrocarbons react slowly, as does benzene.
• Phenols, sulfides, sulfites, nitrite, bromide, iodide, hypochlorite ion, proteins, and most carbohydrates react rapidly.
• Ammonium ions, chloramines, hypochlorous, and hypobromous molecules react slowly.
• Aqueous ozone decomposition can result in production of hydroxyl radicals. These are even stronger oxidants than ozone and most likely participate in oxidative reactions with metals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and alkalinity ions. They may also play a role in silica flocculation.
• The oxidative strength of ozone is not appreciably affected by pH; however, the nature of the reactions and the by-products formed can be influenced by pH.

Ozone: home
Background
Chemical Properties
Ozone Production
Ozone Chemistry
Ozone Environmental and Health Aspects