Ozone is a strong oxidizer and can be particularly effective for water and waste water treatment with less than 1% organic content. It is sometimes used as a pretreatment method, or to disinfect wastewater after biological treatment. It oxidizes a wide range of organics, can destroy cyanide wastes and phenolic compounds, and is faster acting than alkaline chlorination. And, unlike chlorine, ozone doesn't generate toxic ions in the oxidation process.
Ozone is the triatomic form of oxygen formed naturally during lightning strikes and anytime an electric arc is formed. It is a very unstable compound and must be produced at the same time it is needed, usually by ultraviolet excitation and corona discharge. It isn't effective in treating slurries, sludges, solids, organic solvents, or tars.
Before use, consider the possibility that ozone will oxidize other stream components that didn't need treatment. Excess ozone, (that is, ozone not consumed in the reaction) must be catalytically decomposed since release isn't permitted.