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Ozone: Its Properties and Uses
» Ozone - An Introduction
» Why Ozone?
Ozone kills microbes much faster than weaker oxidizers like chlorine — up to 5,000 times faster. But unlike chlorine, ozone oxidation leaves no harmful or foul byproducts and residue only oxygen. Further, microorganisms can't build up a tolerance to ozone as they can to less reactive chemicals like chlorine.
In sea water, the ozone will kill approximately half the invasive species on contact. The ozone also interacts with chemicals that naturally occur in sea water to create various bromine compounds that kill the remaining invasive species. The minute quantities of these compounds that remain in the water are not dangerous to indigenous fish and shell fish populations. Moreover, the presence of these trace amounts of residual chemicals are a critical scientific indicator in proving that the ballast water has been properly treated and that all unwanted invasive species have been killed. Seawater chemistry was not affected at all during the tests that have been conducted. That is, the variables such as pH, salinity, and nutrient concentrations have not been affected.
Additionally, ozone can be produced on-site with proven industrial strength equipment. It requires only ambient air and electricity to make ozone. No dangerous products are required to be stored or transported on board the ship.
» Links to Additional Ozone Information
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