Description: Ozone is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms (O3) found in the Earth’s atmosphere. It is an allotrope of oxygen and forms when oxygen molecules (O2) are exposed to electrical discharges or ultraviolet radiation, causing the separation of oxygen atoms and their recombination into ozone. This molecule is crucial for life on Earth, as it exists in two different layers of the atmosphere: the stratosphere and the troposphere. In the stratosphere, ozone forms the famous ozone layer, which acts as a protective shield against the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, thus protecting living beings from its harmful effects. However, in the troposphere, ozone is considered a secondary pollutant, as it forms from chemical reactions between pollutants emitted by vehicles and factories, which can have adverse effects on human health and the environment. Therefore, ozone is a compound with dual characteristics: essential for protecting life on the Earth’s surface, but also an indicator of air quality and a factor in environmental pollution. Its study is fundamental in data science and statistics, as it allows for the analysis of pollution patterns and the evaluation of the impact of environmental policies.
History: Ozone was discovered in 1785 by German chemist Martin Heinrich Klaproth, although its name comes from the Greek ‘ozein’, meaning ‘to smell’, due to its characteristic odor. Throughout the 19th century, numerous studies were conducted on its properties and formation. In 1913, French scientists Paul Crutzen and Henri Buisson demonstrated that ozone forms in the stratosphere from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. However, it was in the 1970s that ozone became a major scientific and environmental topic, due to the discovery of the ozone hole over Antarctica, leading to the creation of the Montreal Protocol in 1987 to regulate substances that deplete the ozone layer.
Uses: Ozone has various applications in industry and science. It is used in the treatment of wastewater and drinking water, as it is a powerful disinfectant that eliminates bacteria and viruses. It is also employed in air purification systems, particularly in ventilation and air conditioning, to remove odors and pollutants. In the food industry, ozone is used to disinfect surfaces and extend the shelf life of products. Additionally, in the health field, its use in medical therapies is being researched, although its application must be carefully controlled due to its toxicity at high concentrations.
Examples: An example of ozone use is in water treatment plants, where it is used to disinfect drinking water before distribution. Another case is the use of ozone generators in air purification systems to remove odors in enclosed spaces. In the food industry, ozone is applied to disinfect fruits and vegetables, helping to eliminate pathogens and extend their freshness.
