What are the required levels of Ozone needed to effectively inactivate viruses?

The effective inactivation of viruses through ozonation typically requires concentrations within the range of 0.3 to 2.0 mg/l. This level of ozone is considered sufficient to disrupt viral integrity and eliminate their infectious potential.

Ozone is highly reactive and can effectively oxidize the viral capsid proteins and nucleic acids, rendering many viruses non-infective. While lower concentrations may not provide the necessary oxidative potential to inactivate more resilient strains, concentrations above this range are not typically required or may even pose challenges, such as residual ozone affecting downstream processes.

Understanding this balance is vital for water treatment processes, where achieving effective disinfection while minimizing potential negative effects on water quality is essential. Hence, the range of 0.3 to 2.0 mg/l is established as optimal for virus inactivation, aligning with various studies and guideline recommendations in water treatment protocols.