Theoretical aspects of the kinetics of competitive first reactions of ozone in the O-3/H2O2 and O-3/UV oxidation processes

Kinetics of competition between the ozone direct reaction with compounds in water, ozone-hydroperoxide ion reaction leading to free radicals in the O-3/H2O2 process, and the photolysis of ozone in the O-3/UV process are discussed in terms of diffusion and reaction times to establish conditions for these reactions to be competitive. Film theory and chemical kinetic concepts then are applied to estimate initial rates of ozone absorption and consumption, removal rates of compounds present in water, and the importance of the radical oxidation path versus direct ozone and/or photolysis reactions.