Question

3. Ozone present in the troposphere is a major pollutant. However, ozone formation in aqua purifiers makes drinking water pure and safe. Explain.

Answer 1

• Ozone $\left({\mathrm{O}}_3\right)$ is present in the stratosphere layer and protects us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. But when pollutants such as CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbon) reach the stratosphere react with ozone and deplete the ozone layer due to this holes in ozone are formed.
• Aqua purifiers radiate ultraviolet. Now, oxygen is converted to ozone in the presence of UV rays and after that ozone decomposes into oxygen and nascent oxygen.
• The reactions involved are:

$$\begin{gathered} \underset{\mathrm{Oxygen}}{3{\mathrm{O}}_2}\to \underset{\mathrm{Ozone}}{2{\mathrm{O}}_3} \\ {\mathrm{O}}_3\to {\mathrm{O}}_2+\underset{\mathrm{Nascent}\mathrm{oxygen}}{\left[\mathrm{O}\right]} \end{gathered}$$

• The nascent oxygen formed is used to kill the harmful bacteria and microorganisms present in water and makes it potable.