Advanced Oxidation of Geosmin Using Ozone and Hydrogen Peroxide

In this presentation, Pinnacle Ozone Solutions Chief Science Officer Thoram Charanda breaks down a bench-scale study on the advanced oxidation of geosmin, one of the most common causes of earthy, musty taste and odor in surface drinking water. The study compares ozone alone against PEROXONE (ozone plus hydrogen peroxide) to see whether added hydroxyl radical production is worth the extra cost and complexity. Using a real surface-water matrix spiked with geosmin from 72 to over 1,000 ng/L, the team measured ozone demand, decay kinetics, and dose-response across multiple challenge levels. The results showed that the natural organic matter in this water promoted enough hydroxyl radicals for ozone alone to achieve over 90% geosmin removal, even at high concentrations. Adding hydrogen peroxide provided only a marginal improvement for this particular water.

The key takeaway: PEROXONE isn’t automatically required for geosmin control, and the source-water chemistry should drive the decision. That’s why bench-scale testing on a utility’s actual water is so valuable before designing a full-scale ozonation system.