What characteristic of ozone makes it a unique disinfectant in water treatment?

Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent, which is a key characteristic that makes it particularly effective as a disinfectant in water treatment. As an oxidizer, ozone can effectively neutralize bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens by breaking down their cellular structures. This oxidative process destroys harmful microorganisms, making the water potable.

Additionally, ozone's ability to react with a wide variety of contaminants, including organic and inorganic compounds, enhances its role in maintaining water quality. While ozone's instability can be a challenge, its disinfection capacity far outweighs this drawback when managed properly in water treatment processes. The strong oxidizing properties of ozone not only facilitate disinfection but also help in the removal of taste and odor compounds, further improving water quality.

Other options are limited in their relevance to ozone's disinfecting properties. The stability of ozone is often a concern, as it decomposes quickly, particularly in warmer temperatures, making it less reliable under certain conditions. Ozone does not add nutrients to water; in fact, its primary role is to remove contaminants rather than enhance nutritional quality. Furthermore, while ozone is effective as a disinfectant, safety precautions are necessary due to its toxicity at higher concentrations. Thus, the identifying feature of ozone as a disinfectant lies in