The Core Components: Water and Ozone Gas
At its most basic level, the composition of ozonated water consists of two main ingredients: purified water and ozone gas ($O_3$). However, the real secret lies not in the ingredients themselves, but in the highly reactive nature of the ozone molecule. An oxygen molecule consists of two oxygen atoms ($O_2$), which is the air we breathe. An ozone molecule, on the other hand, consists of three oxygen atoms ($O_3$). The third, loosely bonded oxygen atom is what makes ozone such a powerful and effective oxidizing agent.
When this unstable $O_3$ molecule is dissolved into water, it actively seeks out contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. The extra oxygen atom detaches and attaches to the molecules of these other substances, breaking down their structure and effectively destroying them. After this potent oxidative reaction, the ozone molecule reverts back to its stable, natural state as oxygen ($O_2$), leaving behind only purified water and oxygen, with no harmful chemical byproducts.
The Production of Ozonated Water
Since ozone gas has a very short half-life and cannot be stored or transported effectively, it is always generated on-site just before it is needed. There are a few key methods used to produce ozone gas for water treatment:
- Corona Discharge Generators: Mimicking the effects of lightning, this method passes a high-voltage electrical discharge through a stream of oxygen or dry air. This electrical energy splits the stable $O_2$ molecules into single oxygen atoms, which then recombine with other $O_2$ molecules to form $O_3$.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Light Generators: Similar to how ozone is created naturally in the atmosphere, UV generators use light in a specific wavelength (160–240 nm) to break apart oxygen molecules into individual atoms, which then form ozone gas. This method is typically less powerful than corona discharge and is better suited for smaller applications.
- Electrolytic Ozone Generators: These generators pass an electric current directly through the water itself. The current splits the water molecules, and the resulting oxygen atoms form ozone. This method is often used for creating ozonated water on a smaller, more localized scale.
Once the ozone gas is generated, it is then infused or bubbled into a vessel containing purified water. Diffusers are often used to break the gas into fine bubbles to increase surface area and accelerate its absorption into the water.
Applications and Benefits
Ozonated water is utilized in a wide variety of applications due to its powerful disinfecting properties and its chemical-free nature. Its uses span across several industries and domestic tasks:
- Sanitation: Used in industrial settings like food processing plants to wash produce, meat, and fish, eliminating bacteria and extending shelf life.
- Oral Health: Dentists have used ozonated water since the 1930s to disinfect oral cavities, promote wound healing, and treat gum disease.
- Domestic Cleaning: As a safe and effective household cleaner, it can disinfect surfaces, eliminate odors, and sanitize items like dishes and toothbrushes without leaving behind chemical residue.
- Water Purification: Thousands of municipal water treatment facilities worldwide use ozonation to purify drinking water, removing harmful pathogens and improving taste and odor.
Ozonation vs. Chlorination: A Quick Comparison
While both ozonation and chlorination are common methods for water purification, they differ significantly in their process and residual effects. Ozonation is often considered a more advanced and environmentally friendly method.
| Feature | Ozonation | Chlorination |
|---|---|---|
| Disinfectant Strength | Very strong (50x more effective than chlorine) | Strong, but less effective against some pathogens like Cryptosporidium |
| Disinfection Speed | Very fast, reactions occur in seconds to minutes | Slower, requires longer contact time |
| Residuals | Leaves no chemical residue; reverts to oxygen | Leaves a chemical residue (chlorine taste and smell) |
| Byproducts | No harmful byproducts (like trihalomethanes) | Can produce harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs) |
| Cost | Higher initial and operational costs | Less expensive and widely used |
| Shelf Life | Very short; must be generated on-site | Stable and can be stored/transported |
Safety and Considerations
For those wondering if drinking ozonated water is safe, the answer is yes, with the important distinction that it must be consumed after the ozone has had time to dissipate and revert to oxygen. The FDA has listed ozone as “generally recognized as safe” for bottled water and contact with food. It is important to note that pure ozone gas is toxic if inhaled, but this is a concern for technicians and not for end-users of the water. Proper equipment and controlled processes ensure safety during production.
More recent studies are still exploring the full range of potential health benefits, but its applications in dentistry, food safety, and general sanitation are well-established and proven. For more information on the potential health effects, you can visit Healthline's article on Ozonated Water.
Conclusion
In summary, what is ozonated water made of is a simple combination of purified water and ozone ($O_3$) gas, created through advanced electrical or UV processes. The process is a powerful, chemical-free alternative to traditional disinfection methods, leaving no harmful residuals behind. The highly reactive nature of the ozone molecule allows it to effectively destroy pathogens, making ozonated water a versatile solution for sanitation, cleaning, and water purification in a variety of settings. As the technology becomes more accessible, ozonated water presents a sustainable and efficient way to ensure cleanliness and safety.
