Which of the following contaminants is effectively targeted by ozone treatment?

Ozone treatment is particularly effective for disinfection in water treatment processes, and amoebic cysts, such as those from Acanthamoeba or Naegleria, are targeted effectively by ozone due to its strong oxidizing properties. Ozone can rupture the cell walls of these cysts, leading to their inactivation, which is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water and preventing waterborne diseases.

Ozone is not as effective against all types of contaminants. For instance, while it can degrade certain organic compounds, pesticides often require specific treatments for optimal removal. Nitrate removal generally involves different methods, primarily ion exchange or reverse osmosis, as ozone does not effectively break down nitrate. Chloride ions are stable and not susceptible to ozone oxidation, which makes ozone treatment ineffective for this particular contaminant.

In summary, the ability of ozone to effectively inactivate amoebic cysts highlights its role as a powerful disinfectant in water treatment processes, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate treatment methods tailored to specific contaminants present in the water supply.