COMPARISON OF THE EFFECT OF OZONE, OZONE-HYDROGEN PEROXIDE SYSTEM ANDCATALYTIC OZONE ON THE BIODEGRADABLE ORGANIC-MATTER OF A FULVIC-ACID SOLUTION

In this study, the effects of ozone, ozone-hydrogen peroxide and catal ytic ozone were assessed from changes in the organic constituents of a synthetic solution of fulvic acids. Initial DOC and BDOC concentratio ns of the fulvic acid solution were 2.84 mg L(-1) and 0.23 mg L(-1), r espectively. Oxidation tests were performed according to the Ozotest m ethod, which provides an assessment of the extent of oxidation. Ozone, ozone-hydrogen peroxide and catalytic ozone mineralized 15%, 18% and 24% of the initial DOG, respectively. The oxidation system that genera ted 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-pr oducts into CO2, and led to the greatest reduction in chlorine demand. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.