Abstract
The rational utilization of water resources, protection of water sources, and access to potable water are major priorities for the global community. This research proposes improvements to a solar desalination unit for water purification using ozone. Currently, ozonation is a versatile method for removing organic compounds from water. This study investigates the desalination of groundwater sampled in Aktau (Kazakhstan) using an experimental solar desalination unit. Testing results indicate a clean water production rate of 1.2 liters per day on a cloudy day with average solar radiation of 100-200 W/m² and an average ambient air temperature of 14-16°C. The maximum solar radiation reached 750 W/m² with a maximum ambient air temperature of 20°C. Under these weather conditions, the clean water production rate was 2.5-3.0 liters per day. This study explored the potential of ozone oxidation to reduce Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and microbiological indicators in distillate water. An optimal ozone flow rate of 2.5 L/hour was found to be effective in lowering COD values to within acceptable sanitary-hygienic limits, corresponding to a COD of 12.8 mg/L. Ozonation also effectively eliminated coliform bacteria detected in microbiological analysis.