Formation of halogenated disinfection by-products during ballast water chlorination

Halogenated disinfection by-products (DBPs) from ballast water treatment have attracted more attention owing to their potential threats to marine ecosystems. Chlorination is widely used in ballast water treatment, in which...

Risk assessment and exemption approval procedure for the semi-closed seas according to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004

The paper analyses statutory foundations applicable to ships requiring to be exempted from the mandatory installation of the ballast water management system. In particular, it deals with ships sailing on regular international lines but within the semi-closed seas, such as the Adriatic Sea. The legal framework is set out in the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM, 2004), the IMO Guidelines for Risk Assessment A-4 (G7), and the Croatian Ordinance on Ballast Water Control and Management, 2012 [Pravilnik o upravljanju i nadzoru balastnih voda]. The paper presents the model procedure to be followed by main stakeholders, mainly national maritime administrations and shipping companies. The paper outlines the main advantages and disadvantages of the whole process and analyses several cases of good practice. Furthermore, the main stakeholders in the approval procedure and their responsibilities are described, available risk assessment models are analysed, with the particular emphasis on the species-specific risk assessment method as the most preferred method. Finally, the need for cooperation between the involved states and their maritime administrations is considered. It is concluded that bilateral and regional cooperations are an essential element in preserving the marine environment of any sea area. In that respect, the proposed model of the BWM system exemption approval in closed and semi-closed seas, such as the Adriatic Sea, is essential for shipping companies connecting ports in different countries on regular routes. Although demanding in respect of efforts and time, a procedure is viable and may be carried out in due time and with satisfactory outcomes.

BALLAST WATER: A POLYPHASIC APPROACH IN THE EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL PHYTOPLANKTONIC BIOINVASION

The main transport vector for exotic-invasive species around the world is ballast water in merchant ships, crossing natural biogeographic barriers. This is one of the main factors responsible for the reduction and homogenization of the global biota. As phytoplankton is the main group transported by these vessels, this study assesses the risk of bioinvasion in the port complex of Itajaí and Navegantes (southern Brazil), using a polyphasic approach, mixing classical taxonomy with molecular biology. Ballast water collections were carried out to analyze the traditional taxonomy and for clonal cultivation in the laboratory. A successful cultivation of 12 local strains and 10-ballast water was successful. In the latter case, some fresh water, contrary to the statement by the commanders of the exchange of water in the deep ocean (> 200 m). Molecular identification was performed by sequencing the complete ITS region, confirming the presence of Thalassiosira minuscula Krasske, 1941, harmful and of public health interest, previously not mentioned for the region. The species Pleurosigma W. Smith, 1852; Asterionellopsis glacialis (Castracane) Round, 1990; Trieres mobiliensis (Bailey) Ashworth and E.C. Theriot, 2013; Thalassiosira minima Gaarder, 1951; Skeletonema pseudocostatum Medlin, 1991; Pectinodesmus holtmannii E. Hegewald, C. Bock and Krienitz, 2013; Neodesmus Hindák, 1976; and Pseudopediastrum boryanum (Turpin) E. Hegewald, 2005, were identified. The results indicate the possibility of growth of the species found in the ballast environment, which may negatively alter the disposal environment. Keywords: exotic species, molecular identification, marine phytoplankton, port complex of Itajaí and Navegantes.

COMPARISON OF LAND-BASED TEST SETUPS FOR A BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Two land-based setups were tested at different locations using the same combined treatment technologies, to assess the effect of different control and treated tanks condition as well as overall effectiveness of a ballast water treatment system. The test procedure included a five day storage period of organisms in the control and treated tanks as specifically advised in the type approval procedure for shipboard and land-based tests described in the IMO Guideline ‘G8’. The configurations and materials of control and treated tanks used in each test location were different resulting in invalid test results at one testing location.