World Ozone Day: Unleashing the Hidden Gem of Ozone Generator

World Ozone Day is held on September 16 every year to commemorate the inking of the Montreal Protocol (in 1987) on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Ever since the UN General Assembly adopted it in 1994, the world has come on the same page to remind people about the significance of ozone for life on Earth and the need to protect the ozone layer for future generations.

The landmark agreement-Montreal Protocol-is the only UN treaty (to date) that has been ratified by all 198 UN Member States, alluding to the concerted efforts to phase out ozone-depleting substances and keep up with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Why Ozone Depletion is More Dangerous than Imagined

The stratospheric ozone depletion in the 21^st century has led to a rise in UV-B-a higher energy form-which, scientists claim, can cause premature aging of the skin and affect the human immune system. An uptick in UV-B has dented food production, people, construction materials and ecosystems. For instance, the rising exposure to UV radiation can affect aquatic food chains and fish eggs and direct damage to crustaceans. In September 2024, a study published in Nature Geoscience claimed that ozone gas has reduced the growth of tropical forests. These alarming trends have led to the clarion call to implement the Montreal Protocol.

Ozone Generator-the Need of the hour

Ozone depletion has had a negative influence on aquatic life and organic matter in surface waters. To illustrate, UV-B radiation has reportedly caused damage to the early growth stages of amphibians, shrimps, fish, crabs and other marine animals. Over the years, ozone water treatment using ozone generators has garnered immense popularity for purity and disinfection of water. The innate ability of ozone to neutralize a host of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chlorine, protozoa, microorganisms and bacteria furthers the demand for ozone generators. The following insights shed light on the robust growth trajectory of the ozone generator market:

• Rigorous regulations: Government regulations on the requirement to adhere to water safety standards have boded well.

• Health and Safety Priorities: The global push for chemical-free disinfection makes the equipment highly-sought after among stakeholders.

• Sustainability: Considering that ozone water treatment does not produce hazardous byproducts, it has ticked the environmentally friendly box.

• Growth control of algae and biofilms: Algae and biofilm take a back seat as the water treatment dents their growth, boosting the water quality.

• Lower OPEX: The equipment is cost-effective due to lower operating expenses, which is mainly attributed to a dip in chemical usage and lower maintenance requirements.

 

Ozone generators can also be customized and are popular for their accuracy and precision, making the tool a top priority for industrial and research activities. The trend has also spurred the demand for ozone gas production to make it affordable in the residential sector.

Municipal And Industrial Waste Water

Changing demographics, water shortage, declining water quality and the unpredictable climate change impact are pointing towards a savior-municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. In August 2024, it was reported that wastewater treatment plants at the Frankton, Ludlow and Itchen Bank use ozone technology to eradicate micropollutants, including ibuprofen, propranolol, diclofenac, benzotriazole and carbamazepine. Meanwhile, in June 2023, the Times of India reported that Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh would install ozone treatment plant. The facility is expected to cater to around 100 gms/hr, including an oxygen generator, ozone and oxygen pipes, among others.

What is in Store?

Researchers and scientists are leaving no stone unturned to monitor the trajectory of the ozone layer. According to the Geneva Environment Network, 99% of the ozone-depleting substances controlled under the Montreal Protocol have been eliminated. In doing so, corona discharge, a prevalently used method of ozone generation, could gain prominence in water treatment. Besides, electrolytic generation is expected to add a fillip to the equipment growth on the back of reduced equipment size, no feed gas preparation and the use of low-voltage DC current.

The use of technologies, including ozone generators, could set a precedent for environmentally friendly water treatment practices. The time is ripe to look into the future for proactive, faster and sustainable efforts.