Regrowth in ship's ballast water tanks: Think again!. Issue 1 (15th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grob, Carolina; Pollet, Bruno G.
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 109:Issue 1(2016:Aug.)
• Page Start: 46
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2016-08-15
• Subjects: Ballast water treatment -- Regrowth; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.04.061
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: With the imminent ratification of the International Maritime Organisation's Ballast Water Management Convention, ship owners and operators will have to choose among a myriad of different Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS) and technologies to comply with established discharge standards. However, it has come to our attention that decision-makers seem to be unaware of the problem of regrowth occurring in ballast water tanks after treatment. Furthermore, the information available on the subject in the literature is surprisingly and unfortunately very limited. Herein we summarise previous research findings that suggest that regrowth of bacteria and phytoplankton could occur 18 h to 7 days and 4 to 20 days after treatment, respectively. By highlighting the problem of regrowth, we would like to encourage scientists and engineers to further investigate this issue and to urge ship owners and ship operators to inform themselves on the risks of regrowth associated with the implementation of different BWTS. Highlights: Regrowth of organisms in ballast tanks can occur even after ballast water treatment. The issue of organisms' regrowth in ballast tanks should be taken seriously. Further scientific research into regrowth in ballast water is highly encouraged. Ship owners and operators should take regrowth into account when choosing a BWTS.