Furthermore, removal limits the overall
efficacy of the treatment as the ozone is not available to treat distribution lines and emitters. The purpose
of this study was to determine if aqueous ozone impacts tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv Matrix
F1) productivity when applied directly to a mineral wool growth substrate via drip irrigation. At the
highest aqueous ozone treatment level (3.0mgL−1) significant increases in leaf area, shoot dry matter,
and stem thickness were observed. There were no differences across all treatments in terms of net CO2
assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, internal leaf CO2 concentration, chlorophyll content index, and
fruit production. A qualitative assessment of algae growth on the substrate surface was conducted. Both
ozone treatments resulted in a visually discernible reduction in algae prevalence on the substrate surface.
The results of this study do not support the removal of aqueous ozone (at the concentrations examined)
prior to distribution when the solution is applied via drip irrigation in mineral wool hydroponic tomato
production.