Exam Question
(a) Why is it necessary to treat ballast water, prior to it's discharge? (10)
(b) Explain the difference between, ballast water exchange and ballast water treatment. Name the standards used in each case. (10)
Class 4 (4th Engineer)
SSEP
📅 Jun 2023
Reference Answer
### Part (a): Necessity of Ballast Water Treatment
It is imperative to treat ballast water prior to its discharge to prevent the transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens (HAOP) between different geographical regions. This process, known as bio-invasion, poses significant threats on ecological, economic, and public health fronts.
1. **Ecological and Environmental Protection**:
* **Introduction of Invasive Alien Species (IAS)**: Ballast water taken up in a coastal port contains a complex community of local marine life, including plankton, larvae of invertebrates, fish eggs, and microbes. When discharged in a new environment, these non-indigenous species can become invasive.
It is imperative to treat ballast water prior to its discharge to prevent the transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens (HAOP) between different geographical regions. This process, known as bio-invasion, poses significant threats on ecological, economic, and public health fronts.
1. **Ecological and Environmental Protection**:
* **Introduction of Invasive Alien Species (IAS)**: Ballast water taken up in a coastal port contains a complex community of local marine life, including plankton, larvae of invertebrates, fish eggs, and microbes. When discharged in a new environment, these non-indigenous species can become invasive.
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