Comparison of the effect of ozone, ozone-hydrogen peroxide system and catalytic ozone on the biodegradable organic matter of a fulvic acid solution

In this study, the effects of ozone, ozone-hydrogen peroxide and catalytic ozone were assessed from changes in the organic constituents of a synthetic solution of fulvic acids. Initial DOC and BDOC concentrations of the fulvic acid solution were 2.84 mg L−1 and 0.23 mg L−1, respectively. Oxidation tests were performed according to the Ozotest method, which provides an assessment of the extent of oxidation. Ozone, ozone-hydrogen peroxide and catalytic ozone mineralized 15%, 18% and 24% of the initial DOC, respectively. The oxidation system that generated the highest BDOC concentrations was ozone-hydrogen peroxide, while catalytic ozone produced the lowest concentrations (with ozone doses greater than 3.5 mg L−1, BDOC levels were 0.90 mg L−1, 0.80 mg L−1 and 0.60 mg L−1 for ozone-hydrogen peroxide, ozone and catalytic ozone, respectively). Catalytic ozone induced oxidation of ozone by-products into CO2, and led to the greatest reduction in chlorine demand.