You may have read it on certain brands of packaged drinking water or mineral water and may be wondering what ozonated water is all about. Is ozonated water good for your health and how it is different from non-ozonated water? Well, many people are confused about ozonated water, as there is a lack of awareness about the topic. To make things clear, let’s take a look at what is ozonated water and what are its benefits and disadvantages.
What is ozonated water?
The process of ozonation is simply a way to filter water to make it clean. Ozonation is an effective way to remove a range of contaminants including bacteria, viruses and fungus. It also reduces the amount of other harmful organic particles and minerals via the process of chemical oxidation or coagulation.
Water can be ozonated via different methods. One of the commonly used techniques involves the use of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This is similar to natural ozonation that occurs in water bodies due to exposure to sun’s ultraviolet rays. When exposed to UV rays, an oxygen molecule splits into two separate oxygen atoms. These then come in contact with other oxygen molecules, resulting in creation of ozone.
Ozone has three oxygen atoms, which makes it highly reactive. This is why it is effective at neutralizing microorganisms in water and other contaminants that may be there.
Key benefits of ozonated water
- Free from chemicals – Water can also be purified via chlorination process, but that can leave harmful chemicals in the water. In comparison, the process of ozonation does not involve the use of harmful chemicals.
- Fix odor and taste issues – Ozonation neutralizes most impurities in water, something that eliminates issues related to water odor and taste.
- Quick purification – With ozonation, water can be purified in a fast manner. One does not have to wait for hours to get purified water.
Disadvantages of ozonated water
- Advanced machinery – The process of ozonation requires advanced machinery, which can increase overall cost of purification. Such machines also need to be properly maintained.
- Chance of contamination – Since ozonated water does not contain any residual disinfection elements, there could be possibility of regrowth of microorganism and fungus. However, this is possible only if the bottle packaging has been compromised.
- Toxicity and Fire hazard – Ozone is toxic if we come in direct contact with the gas. It is also known to be a fire hazard, as it can accelerate the process of combustion.
Provided that you are using ozonated water from a creditable brand, it can have multiple health benefits. It can boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, neutralize synthetic chemicals, and increase oxygen supply to brain. Before you use ozonated water, make sure the bottle is perfectly sealed and there are no contaminants on the outside.