Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

What is a major benefit of using ozone in wastewater treatment?

1. It consumes less energy than other methods

2. It effectively disinfects without forming harmful by-products

3. It increases the pH of the wastewater

4. It attracts and neutralizes toxic compounds

The correct answer is: It effectively disinfects without forming harmful by-products

Using ozone in wastewater treatment is particularly valued for its ability to disinfect effectively while minimizing the formation of harmful by-products. Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that can destroy bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens present in wastewater. One of the key advantages of using ozone over traditional chlorine disinfection is that when ozone decomposes, it does not leave lingering chemical residues that can lead to the creation of harmful chlorinated by-products, such as trihalomethanes or haloacetic acids, which can pose health risks and environmental concerns. This makes ozone a safer and more environmentally friendly option for disinfection in wastewater treatment processes. In addition to disinfection, ozone treatment can also assist in the oxidation of other contaminants, improving overall water quality. However, its primary recognized advantage lies in the disinfection process where it operates without the undesirable side effects associated with some other chemical disinfectants.