Formation of hydroxyl radicals (HO.) and bromate during ozonation is strongly
influenced by water quality and treatment variables. Quantification of HO. was
determined by introducing the RCT value, expressed as a ratio of HO. exposure (or
concentration) to ozone exposure (or concentration). Two phases of RCT were performed
and the values of RCT remain unchanged at any specific time throughout the ozonation
process with a set of water quality. Linear relationships were observed between extents
of water quality parameters and HO. concentration or rate of bromate formation. Bromate
formation can be controlled by adding acid or ammonia to depress intermediate OBr-.
Acid addition to lower water pH from ambient (8.2) to 7.5 and 6.5 reduced bromate
formation by 30% and 80%, respectively. In comparison, adding ammonia reduced
bromate formation up to 60% and 85% at pH 7.5 and 8.5, respectively. Ammonia's efficiency to mitigate bromate formation was lessened with lowered water pH.
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