It has been centuries since bacterial and microorganisms were disinfected from water sources and surfaces. Silver containers were used by the Egyptians to control bacteria in water. Copper and silver coins were used to prevent water from becoming infested with microbes. A vast improvement in quality of life has been achieved due to advances in water disinfection technologies. Since the introduction of chlorine, ozone, acids, UV and heavy metals such as copper and silver, water sources have been protected from unwanted pathogens, cysts, and microorganisms. However, societies still deal with health-threatening bacteria in water systems. Anyway, there are two main methods used in water treatment, such as ozone vs chlorine. In this article, we will explain both of these methods and you can choose yourself which is better option.
According to estimates, there are more than 1.2 billion people who lack access to safe drinking water worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that 3.4 million people, mostly children, die annually from illnesses caused by water. The preparation of food also continues to cause gastrointestinal diseases and occasionally even death. Because of this, the discovery of disinfectants such as chlorine and ozone has contributed a great deal to the improvement of life.
History of Ozone vs Chlorine as Disinfectants
Ozone’s discovery history is very similar to that of chlorine. Ozone and chlorine have different uses in today’s environmental-conscious society. Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele discovered chlorine in 1774, and Dutch scientist Martinus Van Marum discovered ozone a few years later, in 1783. The names of chlorine and ozone both originate from Greek roots — chloros is greenish-yellow, and ozein means to smell.
Due to its residual properties, chlorine will continue to be a vital disinfectant, but modern ozone production equipment has proven to be more reliable, simpler to use and monitor, and safer to operate, making ozone an increasingly popular disinfectant.
The Dangers of Chlorine
If we consume chlorine, it leaves behind toxic chemical residues. The water treated with chlorine also leaves a chemical taste. According to some studies, drinking water containing chlorine may lead to an increased risk of cancer. These residues will also disrupt the equipment and the surrounding environment when chlorinated regularly.
On the other hand, when done safely, ozonation results in clean water that leaves no chemical residues behind. In fact, over time, residual chlorination byproducts are removed by ozone. According to studies, chlorination is not as effective for bodies of water with high alkaline pHs, while ozonation is equally effective at all pH levels without altering the water’s pH.
Ozone for Health and a Sustainable Earth
The process of ozonation for water purification has become much more affordable and convenient with technological advancements and the availability of ozone generators, with obvious long-term savings.
Ozone – the Future of Disinfection is Now
Ozone’s numerous health, environmental, and cost-saving benefits make it the obvious choice for businesses looking for modern bath water disinfection solutions. In an era, post-COVID-19, we must not use out-of-date methods of disinfecting water used in our food, hospitals, and countless other locations where water quality is vital.
The advantages of ozonation over chlorination can be attributed to ozone’s ease of use and cost-effectiveness. As a way to increase sustainability, modern businesses should consider ozonation. Furthermore, ozone provides a safer and more efficient way to purify and treat water than chlorine, which has byproducts and health risks.
Ozone Generator Benefits Over Chlorine
- It is over 3000 times faster to purify water with ozone than with chlorine.
- No harmful chlorinated by-products are left in the water with ozone treatment; ozone quickly reverts back to pure oxygen if not used.
- Water treatment using chemicals can have long-term negative environmental effects. This is not the case with ozone.
- Ozone is the strongest, fastest, commercially available disinfectant and oxidant for water treatment.
- Ozone eliminates bacterial, viral, yeast, mold, cyst, mildew, mildew spores, fungi, and most other organic and inorganic contaminants up to several thousand times faster than chlorine.
- Ozone, in appropriate doses, is an effective disinfectant against all waterborne pathogens (at practical, safe levels).
- Ozone can be generated on site and does not need to be stored.
- Ozone is not toxic when it is overdosed, because it reverts back to oxygen upon exiting the water.
- There is no pH dependency for ozone disinfection nor does adding ozone affect pH.
- Water treated with ozone can reduce levels of harsh chemicals such as chlorine and their by-products.
- Ozone is an excellent micro-flocculent, aiding in the removal of minerals such as Alkaloids.
- Ozone acts as a micro-flocculent, allowing minerals to be removed from the body.
- There is no chemical taste or odor associated with ozone.
- Ozone dissolved in water will not dry out the skin or leave a chemical film on the skin.
- When using an ORP meter, the effectiveness of ozone can be measured.
- Ozone-containing water has less corrosion potential than chlorine-containing water. Many municipalities are looking to remove chlorine from their water treatment plants altogether due to the results of several studies on the safety of chlorination. The chloroforms and other halomethanes present in post-chlorinated natural water are the cause of this concern. In addition, Ozone is becoming easier to install and cheaper to operate due to the advances in the technology used to generate it.
- Salt chlorinators may be efficient, but remember that salt over time damages concrete and tile around your swimming pool and creates a toxic bath that contains carcinogens.
- As you swim, you absorb pool water. Would you like to absorb chlorine and its by-products all day long? Several countries have already banned chlorine because of its adverse effects on swimmers, and many other countries are also considering banning chlorine in the future.
- Chemical storage and handling problems, costs associated with transporting chemicals, the significant carbon footprint created by chemical products, and human error play a role when mixing chemical solutions. This is why ozone has quickly become a more viable option for treating water.
Bottom Line
Even though ozonation is recognized by experts as an effective method of water treatment, it has not been widely used as chlorination until recently. The creation of ozone used to require skilled technicians. However, the technology required for ozonation has improved in recent years, making it safer and more compact. The consumers can simply use an ozone generator according to their needs. Within the water itself, ozonation doesn’t produce dangerous byproducts. The water will be impurity-free after ozonation and simple filtration.
To learn more about ozone generator benefits, you can explore our guide: Major Advantages of Ozone Generator.