Ballast Water Management Research Articles

Investigation and evaluation of risk of pathogen transfer by ballast water in Shahid Rajaee Port, Hormozgan Province, Iran.

Ballast water is essential for ship operations, but can also transport harmful organisms between ports, threatening local environments. The Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), requires ships to implement ballast water management measures to address this issue. In this study, ballast water samples were collected from ships entering Shahid Rajaee Port in Iran before and after the Ballast Water Management Convention came into force in 2017. The sampling was conducted in coordination with Iranian authorities, following IMO guidelines. Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, and Enterococci were identified in 97 ships, and physical parameters such as temperature, salinity, and pH were measured in 15 ships. To prevent sample contamination, rigorous protocols were followed, including using sterile equipment, appropriate storage, and immediate transfer to the lab. The results showed that before the BWM Convention, V. cholerae was found in 6 out of 14 ships (42%), with ballast water retention times of 2-58days. After the convention, V. cholerae was found in only 2 out of 83 ships (2.4%), with ballast water retention of 2-3days. This indicates a significant reduction in the risk of pathogen transfer through ballast water. Further analysis after the Convention showed that V. cholerae was initially detected in 4 out of 15 ships, but only 1 ship (6.6%) had levels above the standard. E. coli and Enterococci were also detected in multiple ships, but their levels were below the standard. The study investigated the relationship between the bacterial levels and the physical parameters. While some correlations were found between E. coli/Enterococci and parameters like pH, temperature, salinity, and water retention time, no significant impact of physical parameters on V. cholerae levels was observed. T-tests revealed significant relationships between the bacterial levels and the physical parameters, as well as the ballast water retention time. Ships were found to have followed the ballast water exchange guidelines of exchanging at least 200 or 50 nautical miles from shore and at depths over 200m, as mapped out for the Persian Gulf region. The results indicate that the implementation of the BWM Convention has been effective in reducing the risk of pathogen transfer through ballast water. However, the study emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and enforcement to ensure continued compliance with the convention's requirements.

A Case Study on Sustainable Energy Use from Ballast Water Management System in Transport Vessels

A Case Study on Sustainable Energy Use from Ballast Water Management System in Transport Vessels

Assessment of the Environmental Safety of the Ship Ballast Water Treated by Ozone

The aspects of purification of discharged ballast water from non-indigenous species of microorganisms in ballast water by the ballast water management systems (BWMS) installed on ships are considered. As a method of water treatment, the technology chosen is to influence the microorganisms with gaseous ozone introduced into the flow of ballast water when it is received onto the ship. A design diagram for a prototype BWMS unit for treating the ballast water during intake and deballasting has been developed. The results of studies of the prototype on the inactivation of microorganisms in water of various salinities (0, 18 and 36‰) are presented and its effectiveness is shown. Biotesting methods were used to assess the toxicity of ozone-treated waters. Using organisms of three trophic levels, it was shown that water neutralized using this technology is not toxic and can be discharged into a receiving reservoir.

Insights to ballast water: metagenomics as a pressing priority

Metagenomics represents a pivotal development in genomics, offering unprecedented insights into a diverse spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that were previously challenging or impossible to study outside natural environments. Its applications span a remarkable range, from exploring cosmic entities to the depths of our oceans, incorporating numerous analyses. Yet, its utilization in the context of ballast water analysis remains scarce. This highlights the crux of the present review, which aims to showcase the need for metagenomics in ballast water analysis. As is known, ballast water is essential for maintaining ship stability under no cargo conditions or during adverse weather, with daily global movements estimated to be between 3 to 10 billion tonnes. A single bulk cargo ship can transport up to 60,000 tonnes of ballast water for a 200,000-tonne load. It is estimated that over 7,000 species are transported globally in ships' ballast water daily, posing significant ecological risks when these organisms are discharged into new environments where they can become invasive species, disrupting local ecosystems, economies, and human health. Despite the International Maritime Organization setting D-2 standard guidelines and endorsing several ballast water management practices for its safe discharge, the issue persists. This underscores the necessity of employing metagenomics to enhance the monitoring of microbial content in ballast water. The review summarizes some research conducted worldwide to analyze ballast water by metagenomics, all exhibiting diverse microbes, including potent pathogenic bacterial and viral forms. The findings support our view, making metagenomics an invaluable tool to monitor ballast water treatment effectiveness in compliance with evolving environmental regulations. Though the challenges facing metagenomic applications—namely cost, complexity, and the need for comprehensive reference databases—are significant, they will surely be surmountable considering continual technological and methodological advancements. Embracing metagenomics offers a pathway to not only address the ecological threats posed by ballast water transfers but also to safeguard the future of global shipping industries.

Comparative Study on Phytoplankton Treatment Effectiveness of the Ballast Water Management System with Four Different Processes

Comparative Study on Phytoplankton Treatment Effectiveness of the Ballast Water Management System with Four Different Processes

Integrated optimization of berth allocation problem with berth shifting strategies and ballast water management for dry bulk ports

In maritime operations, ballast water operations and cargo handling operations are carried out simultaneously to determine the operational efficiency of vessels in port. However, the ballast water pumping rate lags behind the growing efficiency of bulk cargo handling, resulting in operational interruptions and extended stay times at ports. To address this challenge, this paper introduces a novel ballast water management strategy: vessels first handle a portion of their cargo and then shift to a lay-by berth for mid-pumping. This strategy results in multiple shifting movements of vessels within the berth allocation plan. Therefore, to better implement this strategy, we develop an integrated model of berth allocation and ballast water pumping management, with the special considerations of multi-berth shifting strategies and ballast water weight. To efficiently solve this model, we present a hybrid heuristic algorithm based on adaptive genetic algorithms and the critical path method. The computer experiments reveal that the mid-pumping strategy effectively circumvents untimely pumping, shortens the vessel port stay time, and yields a 9.42% reduction in the total stay time. This research further elucidates managerial insights to inform and enhance port operations.

Using biophysical modelling and marine connectivity to assess the risk of natural dispersal of non-indigenous species to comply with the Ballast Water Management Convention

The introduction of Marine Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) poses a significant threat to global marine biodiversity and ecosystems. To mitigate this risk, the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) was adopted by the UN International Maritime Organisation (IMO), setting strict criteria for discharges of ballast water. However, the BWMC permits exemptions for shipping routes operating within a geographical area, known as a Same-Risk-Area (SRA). An SRA can be established in areas where a risk assessment (RA) can conclude that the spread of NIS via ballast water is low relative to the predicted natural dispersal. Despite the BWMC's requirement for RAs to be based on modelling of the natural dispersal of NIS, no standard procedures have been established. This paper presents a methodology utilizing biophysical modelling and marine connectivity analyses to conduct SRA RA and delineation. Focusing on the Kattegat and Øresund connecting the North Sea and Baltic Sea, we examine two SRA candidates spanning Danish and Swedish waters. We provide an example on how to conduct an RA including an RA summary, and addressing findings, challenges, and prospects. Our study aims to advance the development and adoption of consistent, transparent, and scientifically robust SRA assessments for effective ballast water management.

Examining effects of sample concentration on estimates of live phytoplankton abundance

With the entry into force of the International Maritime Organization's International Ballast Water Management Convention in September 2017, ships have begun to install and operate onboard ballast water management systems (BWMS) to reduce the number of live organisms in ballast water. Scientific methods were developed to assess the effectiveness of BWMS at reducing the number of live organisms in ballast water. However, detecting low organism concentrations in treated ballast water is challenging when considering the small sample volume (6 mL) analyzed for organisms in the 10–50 μm size class. The volume analyzed can be increased by concentrating the sample prior to analysis, but it is important to assess the effects of the sample concentration method due to potential cell loss experienced during the concentration step. Therefore, laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the effects of a gravity filtration method to concentrate samples to a factor of 40:1. Experiments were conducted for both low and high organism abundances. For unpreserved samples at low organism abundances (∼10 cells mL−1), concentrated samples had on average 31% fewer live cells mL−1 than unconcentrated samples for four out of five experiments. At high organism abundances (≥ 120 cells mL−1), unpreserved concentrated samples had on average 55% fewer live cells than unconcentrated samples. Alternatively, with preserved samples at low organism abundances, concentrated samples had on average 4.5× more cells than unconcentrated samples. At high organism abundances, concentrated samples had on average 6.4× more cells than unconcentrated samples. Differences were also observed between preserved and unpreserved samples. These findings can help to improve ballast water monitoring procedures and BWMS assessments, addressing a critical challenge to maritime environmental protection.

Assessment of water quality and heavy metal contamination in ballast water: Implications for marine ecosystems and human health

The global menace of non-compliance with ballast water management poses a pressing environmental threat, as it facilitates the transfer of harmful organisms and sediment contaminants. This study investigates the environmental impact of ballast water discharged by ships, focusing on water quality and heavy metal concentrations. The release of ballast water, often containing elevated levels of heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium, poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems. The research, involving water sample collection from ten different vessels across various countries, assesses physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations. Results indicate variations in temperature, turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and pH levels among samples. Turbidity values surpassing WHO limits suggest potential anthropogenic pollution. The study identifies significant differences in pH values, potentially influencing microbial populations. Total dissolved solids and total suspended solids values vary, affecting the distribution of potential pathogens. The results reveal varying total concentrations of heavy metals (mg/L) in the following decreasing order: SA>SE>SF>SB>SC>SD>SH>SI>SG>SJ(6.07 >4.95 > 2.07 > 1.59>0.24>1.22>0.09>0.04>0.03>0.01). The highest concentration of heavy metals is recorded for iron (SA= 5.78), zinc (mg/L) (SB = 1.36, SE = 1.30, and SF = 1.35) and lead (Pb) (SE = 2.39). The elevated iron levels in vessels from SA are potentially linked to corrosion processes. Cadmium, lead, and nickel were not detected, except for lead in the sample from SE. Copper concentrations were aligned with EU standards in the vessels. Proper ballast water management is vital for monitoring water qualities, preventing environmental spread of heavy metals, ensuring marine ecosystem health, and developing compliance strategies for ships docking in ports. Highlights Global shipping causes heavy metal pollution, affecting human and ecosystem health Physicochemical parameters variations suggest potential pollution and microbial impact Mercury, lead, and cadmium in ballast water (BW) pose threats to marine ecosystems Increased iron levels could be associated with corrosion processes Effective BW management is crucial for environmental conservation

A Fuzzy Ballast Water Risk Assessment Model in Maritime Transport

Recent years have witnessed a growing awareness of the critical role that maritime transport plays in global sustainability, given its significant environmental, economic, and social impacts. Central to this concern is the management of ballast water, which, if not properly treated, can lead to the introduction of invasive species, biodiversity loss, and substantial economic and health repercussions. Traditional risk assessment models often fail to capture the complex uncertainties inherent in environmental risks associated with ballast water. This study introduces an innovative fuzzy logic-based risk assessment model designed to enhance decision-making processes in maritime operations by accurately assessing and mitigating the environmental risks of ballast water discharge. The model, structured using three fuzzy systems, integrates human reasoning with mathematical precision, providing an effective tool for sustainable maritime practices. The integrated fuzzy system employs 18 variables as inputs and yields three outputs (ballasting, ballast exchange, and de-ballasting risk). To evaluate the performance of the developed system, various data sets are used and tested through the MATLAB Fuzzy Toolbox. By aligning maritime operations with sustainability principles, this research contributes to the preservation of marine ecosystems, supports the economic stability of marine-dependent industries, and safeguards public health, underscoring the interconnectivity of maritime transport management with overarching sustainability objectives.

Systematic Considerations for a Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) Retrofits: A Review

As a country that has more than half of the country's total territorial waters, Indonesia is highly dependent on shipping activities. Therefore, knowledge of policy updates for each ship from IMO must also be taken into account, one of which is the policy regarding the Ballast Water Management System, which requires every ship to be installed with a Ballast Water Treatment System in order to achieve the goal of a green environment in voyage areas by inhibiting the spread of microorganisms that endanger the area that is caused by ballast water. This regulatory update then creates problems, especially for ships that have been operating for a long time, because the ship has to comply with the standards for D-1 and then also have to comply with the D-2 standards according to the time specified in the convention. So, this review article will discuss the solution to the issues with retrofitting ballast water treatment systems as the addition of a new system to the existing system on a ship that has sailed and pay attention to conceptual aspects consisting of considerations and operations to find the type of ballast water treatment that suits each ship's needs by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each technology type method. There is also consideration for several stages that are commonly used to determine the type of treatment, starting with assessment and planning requirements, selection of space, compliance with BWMS regulations, selection of the ballast water treatment system method, engineering drawing, installation planning, and commissioning. Apart from that, several related innovation considerations were also discussed, including the development of alternative treatment technology, which has the potential for efficiency both in operational aspects and safety standards. Based on research developments, retrofitting the Ballast Water Treatment System with the ultra-violet (UV) treatment is well known as the common treatment beside the electrolysis treatment. The results obtained show that the ultra-violet (UV) method is one of the most efficient treatments when viewed from the way it works and the time duration for the treatment process. This proves that ultra-violet treatment can produce maximum efficiency if the selection of needs and consideration of maximized aspects also exceed the safety aspect as well.

Biological testing of ships’ ballast water indicates challenges for the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention

Ships’ ballast water and sediments are vectors that contribute to the unintentional spread of aquatic non-native species globally. Ballast water management, as well as commissioning testing of ballast water management systems and compliance monitoring under the regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aim at minimizing the unwanted spread of organisms. This study compiles data for treated ballast water samples collected and analyzed from 228 ships during 2017–2023. The samples were collected from the ballast discharge line or directly from the ballast tank for enumeration of living organism concentrations in the categories of ≥50µm and <50 to ≥10µm -sized organisms, as well as indicator microbes in comparison to the ballast water performance standard of the IMO (Regulation D-2). In addition, several ship-specific factors were examined to infer potential factors affecting compliance rates. Nearly all ships were compliant with the ballast water performance standard for indicator microbes and <50 to ≥10µm -sized organisms, whereas almost half of all samples exceeded the limit of ten viable organisms m-3 for the ≥50µm -sized organisms. Compliance testing results did not differ significantly between sampling years, indicating that compliance rate did not change through time. The rate of compliance was higher for commissioning testing than compliance testing. Clear ship- or system-specific factors that lead to compliance or non-compliance were not detected, even though type of ballast water management system, filter mesh size associated with the system and source of ballast water affected compliance significantly either for the samples taken from the discharge line, or ballast tank. As compliance did not improve significantly over time, compliance testing of ships’ ballast water should be undertaken to ensure that the systems remain operational after commissioning and ships meet requirements of the D-2 standard. Furthermore, the study outcomes promote further research on the efficiency of filter mesh sizes and different filtration units associated with ballast water management systems, to improve mechanical removal of larger organisms. Finally, as several ships exceeded the compliance limit by hundreds or thousands of living organisms, technological advancements and operational measures may be needed to improve the overall reliability of ballast water management.

Simulated Testing of the Characteristics and Environmental Impacts of Disinfection By-Products Generated by Ballast Water Management Systems in Ports during Phytoplankton Blooms

Ballast water management systems (BWMSs) using active substances (AS) have been subjected to land-based tests with artificially increased dissolved organic matter (DOM) and cultured species according to the International Maritime Organization G9 guidelines before the BWMS Code revision. Therefore, data on the environment risk assessment (ERA) of disinfection by-products (DBPs) for actual port DOM and natural species are limited. This study was conducted using seawater from Jangmok Bay, South Korea, during a phytoplankton bloom. In treated water with a high biological content (Group A), the DBPs concentration increased as the initial AS concentration increased. However, in treated water with a low biological content (Group B), the DBPs concentration did not increase as the initial AS concentrations. The higher the residual AS concentration on day 5, the more the DBPs concentration increased, and the composition ratio of the DBPs was also affected. The ERA to individual DBP was evaluated as low given <1 for the ratio of the predicted environmental concentration to the predicted no-effect concentration in port environments exposed to DBPs in discharged ballast water. This result may suggest that the ERA of IMO G9 performed with cultured species and additives could substitute the outcome obtained with natural plankton assemblages.

‘Challenges and Regulatory Precautionary Approach of Flag States in Implementing Obligations Under the Ballast Water Management Convention’

Increasing shipping activities necessitated by an upsurge in international trading has a resultant impact on the marine ecosystem. Apart from the usual incidences of marine pollution and oil spillages, the introduction and transfer of invasive alien species (IAS), often known as harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP), are increasing and impacting marine ecosystems and biological diversities. In realization of these threats, at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was requested to consider the adoption of appropriate rules on ballast water discharge based on the understanding that ships’ ballast water serves as a pathway for such bio-invasion transfer. Responding to these challenges led to the adopting of several regulations, technical guidelines, and rules, including the Ballast Water Management Convention in 2004. Hence, implementing the Convention has several implications for the existing legal regimes on flag states. The Convention and its Guidelines are complex and technical, coupled with a differential approach to ballast water management (BWM) by non-state parties like the U.S. Therefore, this research paper analyses some of the challenges and precautionary regulatory approaches for flag states in implementing the Convention while carrying out their obligations under the Convention. It concluded by suggesting a reflection of universally acceptable and environmentally friendly standards for ballast water management and treatment for containing the increasing prevalence of bio-invasion in the marine ecosystem.

Diversity variation of zooplankton and phytoplankton communities in ship ballast water during the maiden voyage

The transfer of ships' ballast water poses a risk of biological invasion to the aquatic ecosystem. Although the ecological risks posed by ships' ballast water have been reduced by the installation of type-approved Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) equipment, some treated ballast water still does not meet the requirements of the D-2 standard. Here, experiments were conducted to investigate the trends of phytoplankton and zooplankton in ship ballast water during different ship’s maiden voyages. The results showed that there are some differences in the trends of the abundance of zooplankton and phytoplankton in the ballast water samples of two ships, i.e., the “Zhang Jian” and the “Song Hang”. The abundance of zooplankton in the ballast water samples of the “Zhang Jian” showed an increasing and then decreasing trend. An explosion of phytoplankton, predominantly Chlorophyta and Cyanophyta, was observed in the ballast water samples of the “Zhang Jian” at the end of the voyage. The abundance of phytoplankton and zooplankton in the ballast water samples of the “Song Hang” showed a decreasing trend. The study aims to clarify the trends and composition characteristics of plankton in ballast water in different ships to promote the effective management of ballast water and protect the ecological environment of port waters.

Development of UV reactor controller in ballast water treatment system to minimize the biological threat on marine environment

Ballast water management is an effective measure to ensure that organisms and bacteria do not migrate with the ballast water to other areas. The International Maritime Organization adopted the International Convention on the Control and Management of Ballast Water and Ship Sediments, in 2004 which regulates issues of ballast water management. Many technologies have been researched and developed; in particular, using UV rays is the method that is evaluated with many advantages and meets the requirements of the Convention. The UV reactor in the ballast water treatment system has a very large capacity, so in the ballast water treatment system, it is often necessary to use many high-power UV lamps in one UV reactor. These high-power UV lamps consume a lot of electrical energy and are very expensive. Research on the control of UV radiation in the process of disinfecting water appropriately and effectively is necessary in order to improve the life of UV lamps, consume less electricity, and ensuring anti-bacterial duty is well conducted. This paper presents the development of a controller for a UV reactor and ballast water flow in the ballast water treatment system installed on ships. Experimental results on ships indicate the efficiency achieved by the developed UV controller.

Study on Ship Ballast Water Treatment Methods

With the rise of the world's maritime industry, the ecological and environmental concerns produced by ballast water discharges from ships are growing more and more significant, and can be hazardous to marine ecosystems, the marine economy, and human health. The ballast water management (BWM) convention from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) sets the rules for ballast water discharge and the two methods of ballast water exchange and ballast water treatment. Common types of ballast water management technology are introduced in this paper and the pros and cons of specific types of technology are explained. The research of this paper demonstrates that it is difficult for a single ballast water treatment system to achieve the D-2 discharge standard established in the BWM. More and more countries are increasingly supporting more efficient and environmentally friendly ballast water combination treatment systems. This paper may offer a reference for the development of ballast water treatment technology.

Evaluation of ozone treatment for bacterial disinfection of ballast water

In 2004, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ballast Water and Sediments (BWMC), aiming to mitigate the spread of organisms through ballast water. In this study, ozone has been employed as the oxidizing agent in ballast water, both on its own and in combination with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and peroxymonopersulfate (PMS). Disinfection is carried out using a discontinuous method, targeting Vibrio alginolyticus and Enterococcus faecalis. The application of ozone at a concentration of 0.7 mg/L in seawater achieved 4 log-reductions of E. faecalis in less than 4 min. In the case of V. alginolyticus in seawater, the application of 0.6 mg/L of ozone and a contact time of 3 min was sufficient to achieve a reduction of 4 logarithmic units. This highlights the greater resistance of E. faecalis to the treatment compared to V. alginolyticus. In order to achieve the same level of disinfection for E. faecalis, a higher concentration of ozone and longer exposure time are required. Combining ozone with either H2O2 or PMS did not improve treatment. Based on the treatments presented in this study, it would be feasible to treat ballast water with an E. faecalis concentration of up to 3.7·106 CFU/100 mL and a V. alginolyticus concentration of up to 4.25·104 CFU/100 mL and still meet the levels required by BWMC. These concentrations are much higher than those found commonly in the marine environment, so the treatment would reduce the concentrations to levels below the D-2 standard.

Optimal UV Quantity for a Ballast Water Treatment System for Compliance with Imo Standards

Abstract Ballast water management is an effective measure to ensure that organisms, bacteria and viruses do not migrate with the ballast water to other areas. In 2004, the International Maritime Organization adopted the International Convention on the Control and Management of Ballast Water and Ship Sediments, which regulates issues related to ballast water management. Many technologies have been researched and developed, and of these, the use of UV rays in combination with filter membranes has been shown to have many advantages and to meet the requirements of the Convention. However, the use of UV furnaces in ballast water treatment systems requires a very large capacity, involving the use of many high-power UV lamps. This not only consumes large amounts of electrical energy, but is also expensive. It is therefore necessary to find an optimal algorithm to enable the UV radiation for the UV controller in the ballast water sterilisation process to be controlled in a reasonable and effective manner. This controller helps to prolong the life of the UV lamp, reduce power consumption and ensure effective sterilisation. This paper presents a UV control algorithm and a controller for a UV furnace for a ballast water treatment system installed on a ship. The results of tests on vessels illustrate the effect of the proposed UV controller.

Ballast Water Management in Ports: Monitoring, Early Warning and Response Measures to Prevent Biodiversity Loss and Risks to Human Health

Ballast water is recognised as successfully transporting non-native (potentially) invasive alien species and other harmful organisms (human pathogens and toxic phytoplankton) from one region to another. Global warming enables the successful adaptation of non-native species in new areas. The early detection of harmful species increases the likelihood that the response will be effective and cause less damage to biodiversity, ecosystems, economies and human health. Scientific evidence strongly points to the importance of prevention. In this context, this refers to continuous port monitoring, carried out with the aim of detecting harmful species soon after their introduction. The objectives of rapid detection are (a) early warning and prevention of further spread of harmful species through ballast water or natural circulation, and (b) a timely response through eradication or other appropriate strategies to reduce the number or spatial extent of introduced species. This paper provides guidance for the development of ballast water management in ports based on a literature review. Available and new methods for identifying marine species and best practises in port monitoring for the early detection of harmful species, as well as early warning and response measures following the introduction of species in ports, are presented and discussed.