Which of the following statements regarding ozone disinfection is NOT true?

Ozone disinfection is a powerful method that employs ozone gas to eliminate pathogens in water and air. The statement regarding the cost of ozone being approximately equal to chlorine is not true because the operational costs and the technology required for ozone generation can be significantly higher than those associated with chlorine treatment.

Ozone is produced on-site using high energy (electricity), which adds to the overall operational expenses. In contrast, chlorine, being a chemical that can be transported and stored easily, often incurs lower costs. This financial factor is crucial for facilities when choosing the best disinfection method, especially in terms of long-term operational efficiency.

In contrast, the other statements highlight accurate aspects of ozone. Its toxicity to aquatic organisms is generally low and varies based on concentration and exposure; it can serve as a source of dissolved oxygen when applied in water; and it is highly effective as a viricide, capable of inactivating many viruses and microorganisms. Understanding both the strengths of ozone as a disinfectant and its economic implications is essential for informed decision-making in environmental health practices.