Background and purpose: Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids are formed through chlorination of waters containing natural organic matters and pose potential health problems. So, it is necessary to remove humic acid as the most significant natural organic matter in water. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of catalytic ozonation in removal of humic acid in presence of local green and red montmorillonite.

Materials and methods: Green and red soils were collected from Sarcham area in Ardabil, Iran and used as catalysts after cleaning up. The variables in this study included initial pH of the solution, catalyst dosage, reaction time, and initial concentration of the pollutant.

Results: The efficiency of catalytic ozonation process increased by increase in contact time, pH, and doses of catalysts and also by decrease in initial concentration of humic acid. In COP process, 100% removal of humic acid (10mg/l) was achieved at natural pH in 15 and 20 min in presence of green and red soils, respectively. Compared with conventional ozonation, presence of radical scavengers such as nitrate, chloride, sulphate and carbonate at high concentrations were found to have minor effects on reducing the efficiency of catalytic ozonation process.

Conclusion: Based on this study, green and red soils highly increase the efficiency of catalytic ozonation process. Due to the low cost and availability of these soils, they can be used as catalysts to remove humic acid in catalytic ozonation process or other similar processes.