Water is an essential component of all areas of life. Its applications range from human consumption to serving as a key element in complex industrial processes.
To the average person, water may be classified simply as either drinking (potable) or technical. However, water usage—whether in nature or production—entails numerous complexities and specialised approaches.
In this article, we explore the various applications and treatment methods for water and examine the role that adsorption oxygen generation systems play in water purification.
Water Treatment in Aquaculture
In aquaculture, effective water treatment is vital to ensure optimal conditions for fish breeding and growth. With growing environmental concerns and fishing restrictions on endangered species, the industry is shifting away from traditional open-water fishing towards sustainable fish farming.
Specialised closed or semi-closed water bodies are created to simulate natural conditions and allow for strict environmental control. Depending on the purpose—whether for food production or other uses—different types of aquaculture systems are employed, both open and closed. In all cases, maintaining stable and healthy water parameters is essential.
Water treatment includes a range of processes such as purification, aeration, temperature control, and pH regulation—each of which directly affects fish health and productivity.
The primary goal of water treatment in aquaculture is to minimise the time required to raise fish from juvenile to harvestable size, thereby increasing the efficiency and output of aquafarming operations.
The Role of Oxygen in Fish Farming
While nutrition is a crucial factor in fish growth, it is not possible to force-feed fish. Instead, improving environmental conditions—particularly the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water—can significantly stimulate appetite and metabolism.
Oxygenation Process
Dissolved oxygen levels are increased using specialised equipment such as oxygen cones. These devices introduce purified gaseous oxygen into the water, where it dissolves, improving oxygen availability and supporting fish health.
For a more detailed overview of aquaculture practices and environmental management, refer to our dedicated article on fish farming.
Water Disinfection Without Chlorine
Water used in fish farming—regardless of whether the system is open or closed—must not be disinfected using chlorine, which is harmful to aquatic life. Instead, ozone-based systems are used, where ozone (a triatomic form of oxygen) acts as a powerful and environmentally safe oxidising agent.
Ozone is a highly reactive gas under normal conditions and is particularly effective in disinfection due to its rapid self-decomposition. In aquaculture, ozone helps address a variety of water quality issues:
- Pathogen inactivation
- Colour removal
- Iron removal
- Odour neutralisation
Ozone forms naturally during thunderstorms via the action of lightning on atmospheric oxygen. Industrially, it is generated on-site using ozone generators that apply a silent electrical discharge. Because of its instability and short lifespan, ozone must be produced at the point of use rather than transported or stored.
Using a combined oxygen generation and ozone treatment system allows a portion of the generated oxygen to increase dissolved oxygen levels in the water, while the remainder is used for ozonation.
Oxygen and ozone demand vary by facility and depend on factors such as the number and volume of tanks, water flow rate, and seasonal or temperature-related changes in oxygen solubility. Additional considerations include the specific oxygen requirements of different fish species during feeding cycles.
A properly configured oxygen system with integrated ozonation ensures ideal conditions for aquaculture, enhancing fish growth and optimising production efficiency.
Wastewater Treatment
One of the most effective and widely adopted uses of oxygen and ozone is in the treatment of industrial and municipal wastewater.
Before ozonation, wastewater undergoes preliminary treatment through mechanical or physicochemical methods. After filtration, the water is transferred to reaction tanks where it is mixed with gaseous ozone. The result is treated water suitable for reuse.
The most common pollutants in industrial wastewater are chemical in nature, including both organic and inorganic substances. These can include hazardous elements like mercury or lead, as well as microbial contaminants such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Ozone exhibits strong oxidative activity in water through mechanisms such as direct oxidation, ozonolysis, catalysis, radical oxidation, and polymerisation. Organic compounds are broken down by direct ozonation. Ozone also catalyses further oxidation reactions in the presence of dissolved oxygen.
Ozone is up to 20 times more effective than chlorine in breaking down bacterial enzymes and is also highly effective against viruses and spores.
It also facilitates the decomposition of heavy metals, phenols, hydrogen sulphide, cyanides, pesticides, herbicides, nitrates, and ammonia—common pollutants that accumulate in water and soil.
By employing ozone-based water treatment, industrial facilities can establish closed-loop water circulation systems, significantly reducing environmental impact and improving sustainability.
Drinking Water Treatment
Modern municipal and industrial water treatment plants increasingly rely on ozone for purifying drinking and potable water. Ozone is more effective than chlorine in removing physical and chemical contaminants, eliminating pathogens and microorganisms, and neutralising unpleasant odours and tastes.
Moreover, ozone is a safe and environmentally friendly solution, both for human health and for ecosystems.
However, its use in commercial swimming pools is less common, primarily due to the higher cost and need for on-site oxygen and ozone generation systems. Chlorine remains a more economical and widely available option in this segment.
That said, larger facilities such as sports complexes and stadiums—including the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow—have adopted oxygen-based systems to support safe and efficient water treatment.
Reliable Solutions from ONH Systems
ONH Systems’ adsorption oxygen generators offer a reliable, compact, and energy-efficient solution for aquaculture, wastewater treatment plants, and commercial water systems.
