Exam Question
(a) Why is it necessary to treat ballast water, prior to it's discharge? (8)
(b) Explain the difference between ballast water exchange and ballast water treatment. Name the standards used in each case. (12)
Class 4 (4th Engineer)
SSEP
📅 Sep 2024
Reference Answer
### (a) Necessity for Ballast Water Treatment (8 Marks)
It is imperative to treat ballast water prior to its discharge to prevent the transfer and introduction of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens (HAOP) from one geographical region's marine ecosystem to another. This process, known as bio-invasion or translocation, poses significant threats on multiple fronts.
1. **Ecological Damage**:
* **Introduction of Invasive Alien Species (IAS)**: Ballast water taken on in a source port contains a complex community of local marine life, including plankton, bacteria, viruses, and the eggs and larvae of various aquatic species. When discharged in a destination port, these organisms are introduced into a new environment where they may lack natural predators.
It is imperative to treat ballast water prior to its discharge to prevent the transfer and introduction of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens (HAOP) from one geographical region's marine ecosystem to another. This process, known as bio-invasion or translocation, poses significant threats on multiple fronts.
1. **Ecological Damage**:
* **Introduction of Invasive Alien Species (IAS)**: Ballast water taken on in a source port contains a complex community of local marine life, including plankton, bacteria, viruses, and the eggs and larvae of various aquatic species. When discharged in a destination port, these organisms are introduced into a new environment where they may lack natural predators.
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