What is a common drawback of using ozone in water treatment?

The use of ozone in water treatment has several benefits, such as its strong oxidizing properties and ability to effectively remove contaminants. However, a common drawback is that it can create harmful by-products during the treatment process. When ozone is used to oxidize organic materials in water, it can lead to the formation of secondary products such as bromate, especially when bromide is present in the source water. These by-products can have negative health effects if they remain in the treated water, making it essential for treatment facilities to monitor and manage ozone application carefully.

While ozone is relatively effective in various conditions, including colder water, the production difficulty and equipment costs can vary but are not universally prohibitive aspects like potential harmful by-products are. Monitoring for by-products and ensuring they remain within safe regulatory limits is a critical consideration in the overall safety and efficacy of using ozone in water treatment.