Analysis and review of modern control methods for ships’ ballast water

Ballast water discharge has been a significant source of invasive species, which has posed a severe threat to the marine ecosystem. Recent investigations on invasive species and physico-chemical characteristics discharging into ports have focused on the rising research in ballast water management that, in compliance with the adoption of the ۲۰۰۴ convention, various treatment and control measures have been applied in ships worldwide. In order to assess the invasion of species, it is critical to have a thorough understanding of indigenous species of the marine ecosystem. Ballast water treatment systems have been adapted for industrial and municipal purposes. Different combinations of treatment systems must be employed for various species of organisms present in the ballast tank. For example, filtration, ultrasonic technology, Hydrodynamic cavitation, electric pulse (plasma), heat treatment and ultra-violet radiation have been proven to ultimately inactivate organisms, particularly zooplanktons and bacteria. Most of these systems use physical filtration as a pre-treatment and then treat the ballast water with physical and chemical disinfection procedures. A filtration treatment is the most energy-efficient, cost-effective, low power consuming, and inactivating most of the organisms.

Keywords:

Ballast Water Treatment Technologies , Organism , Ship , IMO