Air is sometimes used as a primary catalytic process in the oxidation of water on media for the removal of Iron and Manganese also the degassing of Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen Sulphide contamination.

Aeration systems are used for mixing air with water. A contact assembly such as a Mazzei Injector or similar is usually installed between a water supply ( such as a borehole ) and an accumulator on a pressurised system with a constant flow allowing a venturi to draw in air to the process enabling the media to precipitate and allow these contaminants to be backwashed and removed to drain purifying the water. Any gases such as Carbon Dioxide or Hydrogen Sulphide are degassed using the same venturi to take in air and expelling the same out to the atmosphere and out of the supply water.

Oxygen levels are increased in waters by this method very simply and the equipment used very easily maintained and serviced.

Ozone is used for purification of a water supply by a powerful chemical oxidising and very reactive gaseous disinfecting action. Ozone a colourless gas contains 3 atoms of oxygen (O₃) instead of the normal 2 atoms (O₂ ), purifies water by breaking up organic contaminants and converting Iron, Manganese and Hydrogen Sulphide to an insoluble form that can be filtered out. Ozone also at the same time disinfects by destroying bacteria, viruses and protozoa in the water. Whilst Ozone is a quick acting and effective disinfectant it reverts very quickly decomposing back to oxygen safely ensuring its environmental friendly attribute.

Ozone is found in a layer in the uppermost part of the atmosphere at between 20,000 and 30,000 metres which forms a natural barrier to UV radiation and the sun. Ozone generators do no affect the ozone layer since their use is for purifying water.

Ozone generators are these days affordable to supply Ozone for disinfection and purifying media beds during backwashing and regeneration. Ozone is produced by corona discharge from an electrical spark which acts thousands of time a second through dried air before being drawn into the water by a venturi. The Ozone dissolves into the water and may be used in the process designed for its purpose, iron and manganese precipitation for filtering, hydrogen sulphide removal and degassing with the disinfection of bacteria, viruses and protozoa to purify the water for use. Downstream purification may continue with its improved action of ozonation being carried out.

Ozone generators require minimal maintenance and power. Various sizes are available for each process requirement and should be individually sized for each application. Guidelines are 0.4 mg of ozone per 1.0 mg of iron, 1.0 mg of ozone for 1.0 mg of manganese and 3.0 mg of ozone for every 1.0 mg of hydrogen sulphide. The amount of ozone produced by a system will require dry air to feed it to enable the coronas life to be extended. The units come with an air dryer.