How is ozone typically created on site for treatment purposes?

Ozone is typically created on site for treatment purposes by passing dry air through a chamber with electrical arcs. This process is known as corona discharge, where the electrical arcs generate a high-voltage discharge that splits diatomic oxygen (O2) in the air into individual oxygen atoms. These free oxygen atoms then react with other O2 molecules to form ozone (O3).

This method is preferred for on-site ozone generation due to its efficiency and ability to produce ozone quickly and in sufficient quantities for various applications, such as water treatment and air purification. The electricity used in the process contributes to the energy needed for the ozone generation, making the system self-contained and suitable for targeted treatment needs without the need for large ozone storage tanks or complex transportation logistics.

In contrast, other methods such as electrolyzing water primarily produce hydrogen and oxygen gas rather than ozone. Heating water does not create ozone and might not produce significant concentrations of ozone for treatment purposes. Distilling oxygen would provide pure oxygen, but it does not lead to ozone formation without further processes that involve electrical discharge. Thus, the correct answer highlights the most common and effective on-site ozone generation method used in treatment applications.