Comparison of Fe(VI) (FeO42-) and ozone in inactivating Bacillus subtilis spores

► Bacillus subtilis spore inactivation by Fe(VI) and O3 compared. ► O3 was superior over Fe(VI) in inactivating the spores. ► Fe(VI) could not achieve complete inactivation of the spores. ► The spore's coat layer might protect its core from Fe(VI).