1.Definition and Basic Properties of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) refers to oxygen-derived chemical species formed by oxygen molecules in organisms or natural environments. In the natural environment, ROS exists as a pale blue gas with a pungent odor similar to that produced by lightning. Under standard atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature, its solubility in water is 13 times higher than that of oxygen. Although ROS is relatively stable, it readily decomposes into molecular oxygen.
2.Health Risks of Excessive ROS to Humans
Having clarified the nature of ROS in sewage, the key question arises: does ROS pose risks to human health?
Excessive ROS accumulation in the human body is highly detrimental to health and can even directly impact lifespan. Specifically, surplus ROS induces oxidative damage to cells, potentially leading to cell death. This oxidative stress is linked to the pathogenesis of nearly 200 diseases, including neurological disorders and tumors. Additionally, ROS accelerates the aging of tissues and organs, with such age-related effects being particularly prominent in the elderly population.
3.Implications for Water Quality Management
Given the above, strict control of ROS levels in water is of paramount importance—especially for drinking water, which is directly ingested by humans. Consumption of water with excessive ROS concentrations can lead to severe health consequences. Therefore, mitigating ROS-induced oxidative stress in water and eliminating associated microorganisms are critical steps in water quality improvement.
Notably, even after ROS treatment, water cannot be directly consumed. Real-time monitoring of ROS levels using water quality detectors is essential to verify compliance with safety standards. The ROS900 Online Reactive Oxygen Species Analyzer is specifically designed for this purpose. Different water quality parameters require distinct detection equipment; thus, selecting a detector tailored to specific monitoring needs is recommended.
