What This Blog Is About :
1. Learn how ozone works as a powerful, chemical-free oxidant in wastewater treatment.
2. Understand why ozone outperforms chlorine and UV when it comes to disinfection and environmental safety.
3. Explore how ozone enables compliance with discharge regulations by eliminating pathogens and complex contaminants.
4. Discover how ozone supports water reuse and decentralised treatment in remote or off-grid locations.
5. See how Biozone integrates ozone with biotechnology to ensure total compliance across mining, agriculture, F&B, and more.
Among the most effective and eco-friendly solutions available today is ozone technology. It stands out as a powerful ally in helping operations across sectors meet and exceed compliance standards, thanks to its unique features.
Ozone is at the core of our wastewater treatment systems, and for good reason.
Understanding Ozone in Wastewater Treatment
Ozone (O₃) is a naturally occurring molecule made up of three oxygen atoms. As one of the most potent oxidising agents available, ozone can rapidly react with and eliminate inorganic and organic contaminants in water.
In wastewater treatment, this translates to:
- Advanced disinfection
- Odour control
- Removal of pathogens, viruses, and pharmaceutical residues
- Breakdown of organic compounds and biofilm
Unlike chemical treatments, ozone leaves no harmful residues and breaks down into simple oxygen, making it an environmentally friendly and sustainable treatment option.
The Compliance Challenge
South African operations must adhere to stringent local and international discharge regulations:
1.Green Drop Certification
2.National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998)
3.SANS 241 Water Quality Guidelines
4.BRC, HACCP, and WHO Environmental Safety Standards
Consequences of not meeting standards:
Legal penalties and fines
Shutdown of operations
Loss of environmental certifications
Reputational damage
Ozone provides a highly effective way to stay within these parameters safely and sustainably.
Why Ozone is the Ultimate Compliance Ally
1. Unmatched Disinfection Power
Ozone, being 50% more effective than chlorine and working 3,000 times faster at killing bacteria, viruses, and parasites, instils confidence in its efficiency. It destroys contaminants at a molecular level, reducing microbial loads to compliant levels—even in high-risk effluents.
2. No Harmful By-Products
Unlike chlorine or chemical treatments that create harmful by-products like THMs or chloramines, ozone decomposes into oxygen, ensuring the safety of the environment and downstream ecosystems.
3. Eliminates Tough Contaminants
From industrial solvents and pharmaceuticals to colourants and suspended solids, ozone breaks down complex compounds that many traditional systems can’t remove.
4. Supports Water Reuse
Ozonated water is safe for reuse in non-potable applications, enabling compliance with water reuse guidelines and reducing operational water consumption.
5. Ideal for Decentralised & Containerised Systems
Ozone-based treatment systems, like those designed by Biozone, are compact, plug-and-play solutions, perfect for sites in remote areas with no access to centralised wastewater treatment
Industries Benefiting from Ozone in Wastewater
- Mining: Treats heavy metals, sulphates, cyanides, and acid mine drainage
- Food & Beverage: Breaks down fats, oils, grease, and organic matter
- Agriculture: Treats nutrient-rich run-off and enables safe irrigation reuse
- Lodges & Rural Communities: Provides safe, clean discharge in eco-sensitive zones
- Pharmaceutical & Chemical: Breaks down complex compounds and maintains compliance
Ozone + Biotechnology = The Biozone Advantage
By combining ozone disinfection with biological treatment, Biozone can provide environmentally compatible solutions that utilise specific microbes and enzymes.
This approach will enhance the breakdown of solid waste and ensure total compliance with microbial and chemical standards.
The Biozone systems are also equipped with:
- Ozone generators with integrated safety monitoring
- Automation for real-time treatment control
- Technical support and maintenance plans
- Documentation support for audit and regulatory processes
Biozone has helped operations, such as Eastplats Mining, eco-lodges, and agricultural facilities, stay ahead of compliance requirements by utilising Biozone’s Nanofiltration and ozone-based wastewater treatment solutions. These systems ensure that effluent meets quality and discharge regulations, without dependency on harsh chemicals or manual intervention.
Real Compliance. Real Results.
Ready to Make Ozone Part of Your Compliance Strategy?
To understand the technology and the regulations:
📞 Call us: +27 11 791 4403
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Learn more: www.biozone.co.za
Let Biozone help you turn wastewater into a compliance success story. Safely, sustainably, and efficiently.