Ozone, usually associated with the layer which protects our planet from the harmful sun’s UV rays, has other, less mentioned properties which make it a number one environment ally: it is the most effective, non-chemical oxidiser to remove odours, bacteria, yeast and other unwanted microorganisms in the air, water or food.
Ozone disinfects or sanitises air or water, improving its quality. In closed environments, it not only gets rid of odours, it eliminates the source. It is also reputably 100 times more powerful and 3,000 faster acting than the most widely used sanitising agent chlorine in the destruction of bacteria, viruses and chemical pollutants and can also be used to remove manganese from water or completely decompose urea. On the other hand, chlorine can have a limited effect in killing bacteria and environmental and health communities have expressed concerns about its residual by-products.
Joe Deguara, at Melita Power Services Waste Management and Recycling – importers of ozone technology systems for commercial and domestic use, says: “The use of ozone for the sanitisation or detoxification treatment of air, water, crop and other produce is not only highly efficient and harmless since it is chemical free, it is also the most environmentally friendly system with a net positive impact on the environment.
“Ozone treatment has also been proven beneficial against serious diseases caused by dangerous viruses, like SARS and the swine flu, for example. Bacteria and viruses are always evolving and changing their structure which enables them to build a tolerance or immunity to most if not all chemical solutions, however, they can never become resistant to ozone, nature’s own disinfectant. Furthermore, once ozone has done its job, it simply decays back into oxygen and no residue is left on food or surfaces. There is also no cleanup or disposal necessary as with air cleaning systems, for example.”
Mr Deguara says it is imperative to use systems which are installed and maintained by trained professionals. “As with any other product, unless used as it should be, ozone can also be dangerous.”
Ozone is generated commercially using a variety of systems, including through the use of ultraviolet lamps or Corona dischargers. Running costs are kept low as consumption to disinfect the air in an area of 50 square metres, for example, is equivalent to that of a 40 watt light bulb.
Ozone cannot be stored due to its very short shelf life and is produced on site. It therefore removes the need of transportation and storage of dangerous chemicals.
Since the greater awareness of the many harmful effects of chlorine and the release of toxic by-products into the environment and the great advances in the commercial production of safe and efficient ozone generators, ozone technology is fast becoming the preferred solution. Relevant examples would be all the drinking water for the city of Los Angeles and various other major US cities, the vast majority of municipal water plants in Holland and France and its use instead of chlorine in all the pools at The Beijing Olympics recently. Most bottled water is today treated using ozone as it not only is very efficient as a bactericide; it has the added benefit of oxygenating the water thus producing a higher quality water.
Ozone technology is taking off rapidly in Malta. Air disinfection systems have been installed at the Dragonara Casino and the Estillio Pjazza Cascada café and restaurant in Paceville, among others, and there is interest in the system by companies in food production, fish farming, sewage treatment, and for the sterilisation of water used in ice production.
Mr J.D. Agius, gaming manager at the Dragonara Casino, said the establishment has seen a vast improvement in the air quality, particularly in the smoking area. Systems for domestic as well as commercial use are available for a wide variety of applications. More information may also be obtained from Melita Power Services Ltd at the Bulebel Industrial Estate or from www.melitapowerservices.com. Melita Power Services is a subsidiary of the Melita Marine Group.