Ballast Water

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Matej David - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Ballast Water: Problems and Management
    World Seas: an Environmental Evaluation, 2018
    Co-Authors: Stephan Gollasch, Matej David
    Abstract:

    Abstract Harmful species transfers undoubtedly present one of the strongest man-made threats to the aquatic world. For safe operations, vessels essentially depend on Ballast Water in which they usually carry several species so that each vessel has the potential to transport that species and introduce it to a new area. Species are not present only in the Ballast Water itself, but are in acompanying sediments and also occur as fouling on the insides of tanks, all representing potential species spread during vessel voyages. In 2004, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) was adopted to provide globally unified prevention measures. Even when the BWM Convention standards are met, a certain number of organisms is acceptable in the discharge and a range of organisms under 10 μm remained unregulated. Prevention of organism transfer is far from easy, and so the implementation of the BWM Convention remains a challenge.

  • Identification of Ballast Water discharge profiles of a port to enable effective Ballast Water management and environmental studies
    Journal of Sea Research, 2017
    Co-Authors: Matej David, Stephan Gollasch, Ludvik Penko
    Abstract:

    Abstract Information about the profile of Ballast Water discharges in a port is one of the basic elements of the decision making process in Ballast Water risk assessment and management, and supports the evaluation of dimensions and processes of aquatic species invasions with vessels Ballast Water. In the lack of Ballast Water reporting, Ballast Water discharge assessments need to be conducted. In this study we have assessed and compared Ballast Water discharge profiles of two ports with different maritime traffic and cargo profiles, the Port of Hamburg (Germany) and the Muuga Harbour, Port of Tallinn (Estonia). This study shows methods and approaches which can be used to assess volumes and donor ports of Ballast Water discharges for a port at the level of each vessel call. These methods and approaches can be applied to any port to support the implementation of feasible and efficient Ballast Water management measures and to enable environmental studies including long-term accumulation risks of disinfection by-products from Ballast Water management systems making use of active substances, as well as for discharges of other chemical compounds.

  • Recommendations for representative Ballast Water sampling
    Journal of Sea Research, 2017
    Co-Authors: Stephan Gollasch, Matej David
    Abstract:

    Until now, the purpose of Ballast Water sampling studies was predominantly limited to general scientific interest to determine the variety of species arriving in Ballast Water in a recipient port. Knowing the variety of species arriving in Ballast Water also contributes to the assessment of relative species introduction vector importance. Further, some sampling campaigns addressed awareness raising or the determination of organism numbers per Water volume to evaluate the species introduction risk by analysing the propagule pressure of species. A new aspect of Ballast Water sampling, which this contribution addresses, is compliance monitoring and enforcement of Ballast Water management standards as set by, e.g., the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention. To achieve this, sampling methods which result in representative Ballast Water samples are essential. We recommend such methods based on practical tests conducted on two commercial vessels also considering results from our previous studies. The results show that different sampling approaches influence the results regarding viable organism concentrations in Ballast Water samples. It was observed that the sampling duration (i.e., length of the sampling process), timing (i.e., in which point in time of the discharge the sample is taken), the number of samples and the sampled Water quantity are the main factors influencing the concentrations of viable organisms in a Ballast Water sample. Based on our findings we provide recommendations for representative Ballast Water sampling.

  • Vessels and Ballast Water
    Global Maritime Transport and Ballast Water Management, 2014
    Co-Authors: Matej David
    Abstract:

    Commercial vessels are built for the transport of various cargoes or passengers. When a vessel is not fully laden, additional weight is required to provide for the vessel’s seaworthiness, e.g. to compensate for the increased buoyancy which can result in the lack of propeller immersion, inadequate transversal and longitudinal inclination, and other stresses on the vessel’s hull. The material used for adding weight to the vessel is referred to as Ballast. Historically, Ballast material was solid, but after the introduction of iron as basic vessel building material in the middle of the nineteenth century, loading of Water (i.e., Ballast Water) in cargo holds or tanks had shown to be easier and more efficient. Even when a vessel is fully laden it can require Ballast Water operations due to a non-equal distribution of weights on the vessel, weather and sea conditions, an approach to shallow Waters, and the consumption of fuel during the voyage. As a result of these factors, vessels fundamentally rely on Ballast Water for safe operations as a function of their design and construction. This chapter describes vessel’s Ballast Water systems, Ballast tank designs, Ballasting and deBallasting processes as well as safety and legislative aspects of Ballast Water operations. In addition a detailed Ballast Water discharge assessment model is provided. Using concepts of this model an estimation of global Ballast Water discharges from vessels engaged in the international seaborne trade was estimated as 3.1 billion tonnes in 2013.

  • Ballast Water Management Decision Support System Model Application
    Global Maritime Transport and Ballast Water Management, 2014
    Co-Authors: Matej David, Stephan Gollasch
    Abstract:

    In this chapter, the generic Ballast Water management (BWM) decision support systems (DSS) model presented in the chapter “ Ballast Water Management Decision Support System” is validated by using one year real Ballast Water discharge data of the Port of Koper, Slovenia. All possible BWM options as outlined in the BWM Convention have been studied, and data on vessel voyages were collected or assessed, including vessel movements, main routes, navigational constraints and Ballast Water patterns, i.e., amount of Ballast Water to be managed per vessel and type, Ballast Water exchange (BWE) capacity rates per vessel type and source ports relevant for risk assessment (RA). The Ballast Water discharge data were analysed to assess (a) the number of vessels that would be able to conduct BWE on their intended routes according to the BWM Convention, and (b) the quantity of Ballast Water which would be discharged (managed versus unmanaged). It is most likely that only vessels from outside the Adriatic are enabled to conduct BWE before they call at the Port of Koper. A Ballast Water exchange area in the Adriatic would open more options to conduct BWE. The RA results from source ports were related to each vessel to assign the level of risk to each vessel discharging Ballast Water. A critical situation arises when Ballast Water is assessed as to pose an extreme risk as the BWM DSS would conclude that these vessels would not be allowed to discharge unmanaged Ballast Water.

Stephan Gollasch - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Ballast Water: Problems and Management
    World Seas: an Environmental Evaluation, 2018
    Co-Authors: Stephan Gollasch, Matej David
    Abstract:

    Abstract Harmful species transfers undoubtedly present one of the strongest man-made threats to the aquatic world. For safe operations, vessels essentially depend on Ballast Water in which they usually carry several species so that each vessel has the potential to transport that species and introduce it to a new area. Species are not present only in the Ballast Water itself, but are in acompanying sediments and also occur as fouling on the insides of tanks, all representing potential species spread during vessel voyages. In 2004, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) was adopted to provide globally unified prevention measures. Even when the BWM Convention standards are met, a certain number of organisms is acceptable in the discharge and a range of organisms under 10 μm remained unregulated. Prevention of organism transfer is far from easy, and so the implementation of the BWM Convention remains a challenge.

  • Identification of Ballast Water discharge profiles of a port to enable effective Ballast Water management and environmental studies
    Journal of Sea Research, 2017
    Co-Authors: Matej David, Stephan Gollasch, Ludvik Penko
    Abstract:

    Abstract Information about the profile of Ballast Water discharges in a port is one of the basic elements of the decision making process in Ballast Water risk assessment and management, and supports the evaluation of dimensions and processes of aquatic species invasions with vessels Ballast Water. In the lack of Ballast Water reporting, Ballast Water discharge assessments need to be conducted. In this study we have assessed and compared Ballast Water discharge profiles of two ports with different maritime traffic and cargo profiles, the Port of Hamburg (Germany) and the Muuga Harbour, Port of Tallinn (Estonia). This study shows methods and approaches which can be used to assess volumes and donor ports of Ballast Water discharges for a port at the level of each vessel call. These methods and approaches can be applied to any port to support the implementation of feasible and efficient Ballast Water management measures and to enable environmental studies including long-term accumulation risks of disinfection by-products from Ballast Water management systems making use of active substances, as well as for discharges of other chemical compounds.

  • Recommendations for representative Ballast Water sampling
    Journal of Sea Research, 2017
    Co-Authors: Stephan Gollasch, Matej David
    Abstract:

    Until now, the purpose of Ballast Water sampling studies was predominantly limited to general scientific interest to determine the variety of species arriving in Ballast Water in a recipient port. Knowing the variety of species arriving in Ballast Water also contributes to the assessment of relative species introduction vector importance. Further, some sampling campaigns addressed awareness raising or the determination of organism numbers per Water volume to evaluate the species introduction risk by analysing the propagule pressure of species. A new aspect of Ballast Water sampling, which this contribution addresses, is compliance monitoring and enforcement of Ballast Water management standards as set by, e.g., the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention. To achieve this, sampling methods which result in representative Ballast Water samples are essential. We recommend such methods based on practical tests conducted on two commercial vessels also considering results from our previous studies. The results show that different sampling approaches influence the results regarding viable organism concentrations in Ballast Water samples. It was observed that the sampling duration (i.e., length of the sampling process), timing (i.e., in which point in time of the discharge the sample is taken), the number of samples and the sampled Water quantity are the main factors influencing the concentrations of viable organisms in a Ballast Water sample. Based on our findings we provide recommendations for representative Ballast Water sampling.

  • Ballast Water management under the Ballast Water management convention
    Global Maritime Transport and Ballast Water Management: Issues and Solutions, 2015
    Co-Authors: M David, B. Elliott, Stephan Gollasch, Chris Wiley
    Abstract:

    The importance of Ballast Water as a vector for moving non-indigenous\nspecies was initially addressed in a 1973 International Maritime\nOrganization (IMO) resolution. Subsequently IMO worked towards the\nfinalization of the International Convention for the Control and\nManagement of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) which\nwas adopted in February 2004 at a diplomatic conference in London. The\nBWM Convention's main aim is to prevent, minimize and ultimately\neliminate the risks to the environment, human health, property and\nresources which arise from the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and\npathogens via ships' Ballast Waters and related sediments. It should be\nnoted that harmful aquatic organisms in this context are not limited to\nnon-indigenous species, but covers all aquatic species irrespective of\ntheir origin. As defined at IMO ``Ballast Water Management means\nmechanical, physical, chemical, and biological processes, either\nsingularly or in combination, to remove, render harmless, or avoid the\nuptake or discharge of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens within\nBallast Water and Sediments.{''} The BWM Convention and its supporting\nguidelines are described in this chapter, outlining the Ballast Water\nexchange and performance standards, warnings concerning Ballast Water\nuptake in certain areas, Ballast Water reception facilities, sediment\nmanagement as well as exemptions and exceptions from Ballast Water\nmanagement requirements. This chapter ends with the description of\nimplementation options of the BWM Convention.

  • Ballast Water Management Decision Support System Model Application
    Global Maritime Transport and Ballast Water Management, 2014
    Co-Authors: Matej David, Stephan Gollasch
    Abstract:

    In this chapter, the generic Ballast Water management (BWM) decision support systems (DSS) model presented in the chapter “ Ballast Water Management Decision Support System” is validated by using one year real Ballast Water discharge data of the Port of Koper, Slovenia. All possible BWM options as outlined in the BWM Convention have been studied, and data on vessel voyages were collected or assessed, including vessel movements, main routes, navigational constraints and Ballast Water patterns, i.e., amount of Ballast Water to be managed per vessel and type, Ballast Water exchange (BWE) capacity rates per vessel type and source ports relevant for risk assessment (RA). The Ballast Water discharge data were analysed to assess (a) the number of vessels that would be able to conduct BWE on their intended routes according to the BWM Convention, and (b) the quantity of Ballast Water which would be discharged (managed versus unmanaged). It is most likely that only vessels from outside the Adriatic are enabled to conduct BWE before they call at the Port of Koper. A Ballast Water exchange area in the Adriatic would open more options to conduct BWE. The RA results from source ports were related to each vessel to assign the level of risk to each vessel discharging Ballast Water. A critical situation arises when Ballast Water is assessed as to pose an extreme risk as the BWM DSS would conclude that these vessels would not be allowed to discharge unmanaged Ballast Water.

Oihane C. Basurko - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The challenges and promises of genetic approaches for Ballast Water management
    Journal of Sea Research, 2016
    Co-Authors: Anaïs Rey, Oihane C. Basurko, Naiara Rodríguez-ezpeleta
    Abstract:

    Ballast Water is a main vector of introduction of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens, which includes Non-Indigenous Species. Numerous and diversified organisms are transferred daily from a donor to a recipient port. Developed to prevent these introduction events, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments will enter into force in 2017. This international convention is asking for the monitoring of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens. In this review, we highlight the urgent need to develop cost-effective methods to: (1) perform the biological analyses required by the convention; and (2) assess the effectiveness of two main Ballast Water management strategies, i.e. the Ballast Water exchange and the use of Ballast Water treatment systems. We have compiled the biological analyses required by the convention, and performed a comprehensive evaluation of the potential and challenges of the use of genetic tools in this context. Following an overview of the studies applying genetic tools to Ballast Water related research, we present metabarcoding as a relevant approach for early detection of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens in general and for Ballast Water monitoring and port risk assessment in particular. Nonetheless, before implementation of genetic tools in the context of the Ballast Water management convention, benchmarked tests against traditional methods should be performed, and standard, reproducible and easy to apply protocols should be developed.

  • emerging risks from Ballast Water treatment the run up to the international Ballast Water management convention
    Chemosphere, 2014
    Co-Authors: Barbara Werschkun, Oihane C. Basurko, Matej David, Stephan Gollasch, Sangeeta Banerji, Frank Fuhr, Tamara Grummt, Michael Haarich, Stefan Kacan, Anja Kehrer
    Abstract:

    Uptake and discharge of Ballast Water by ocean-going ships contribute to the worldwide spread of aquatic invasive species, with negative impacts on the environment, economies, and public health. The International Ballast Water Management Convention aims at a global answer. The agreed standards for Ballast Water discharge will require Ballast Water treatment. Systems based on various physical and/or chemical methods were developed for on-board installation and approved by the International Maritime Organization. Most common are combinations of high-performance filters with oxidizing chemicals or UV radiation. A well-known problem of oxidative Water treatment is the formation of disinfection by-products, many of which show genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, or other long-term toxicity. In natural biota, genetic damages can affect reproductive success and ultimately impact biodiversity. The future exposure towards chemicals from Ballast Water treatment can only be estimated, based on land-based testing of treatment systems, mathematical models, and exposure scenarios. Systematic studies on the chemistry of oxidants in seaWater are lacking, as are data about the background levels of disinfection by-products in the oceans and strategies for monitoring future developments. The international approval procedure of Ballast Water treatment systems compares the estimated exposure levels of individual substances with their experimental toxicity. While well established in many substance regulations, this approach is also criticised for its simplification, which may disregard critical aspects such as multiple exposures and long-term sub-lethal effects. Moreover, a truly holistic sustainability assessment would need to take into account factors beyond chemical hazards, e.g. energy consumption, air pollution or waste generation.

  • Statistical representativeness of Ballast Water sampling
    Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part M: Journal of Engineering for the Maritime Environment, 2011
    Co-Authors: Oihane C. Basurko, Ehsan Mesbahi
    Abstract:

    The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) G2 guideline (Guidelines for Ballast Water sampling) clearly states that Ballast Water samples are required to be representative of the whole Ballast Water discharged. Enforcement and implementation of the Ballast Water convention largely depend on defendable case based on evidence that a ship entering territorial Waters has not complied with regulations. The statistical representativeness of Ballast Water samples has been discussed in this study with additional emphasis on practicality of the sampling procedure. The mathematical formula for determining a sample size for a proportion from a finite population has been used to identify the minimum number of samples which could be considered as statistically representative of the ship’s Ballast Water. Results clearly indicate that a large amount of Ballast Water, the 16 per cent of Ballast Water (8000 m3) for a ship discharging 50 000 m3 of Ballast Water, must be sampled to achieve certain level of confidence which could be translated as a true representation of the ship’s Ballast Water discharged and potentially used in any further legal actions by states or ship operators.

Anja Kehrer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • emerging risks from Ballast Water treatment the run up to the international Ballast Water management convention
    Chemosphere, 2014
    Co-Authors: Barbara Werschkun, Oihane C. Basurko, Matej David, Stephan Gollasch, Sangeeta Banerji, Frank Fuhr, Tamara Grummt, Michael Haarich, Stefan Kacan, Anja Kehrer
    Abstract:

    Uptake and discharge of Ballast Water by ocean-going ships contribute to the worldwide spread of aquatic invasive species, with negative impacts on the environment, economies, and public health. The International Ballast Water Management Convention aims at a global answer. The agreed standards for Ballast Water discharge will require Ballast Water treatment. Systems based on various physical and/or chemical methods were developed for on-board installation and approved by the International Maritime Organization. Most common are combinations of high-performance filters with oxidizing chemicals or UV radiation. A well-known problem of oxidative Water treatment is the formation of disinfection by-products, many of which show genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, or other long-term toxicity. In natural biota, genetic damages can affect reproductive success and ultimately impact biodiversity. The future exposure towards chemicals from Ballast Water treatment can only be estimated, based on land-based testing of treatment systems, mathematical models, and exposure scenarios. Systematic studies on the chemistry of oxidants in seaWater are lacking, as are data about the background levels of disinfection by-products in the oceans and strategies for monitoring future developments. The international approval procedure of Ballast Water treatment systems compares the estimated exposure levels of individual substances with their experimental toxicity. While well established in many substance regulations, this approach is also criticised for its simplification, which may disregard critical aspects such as multiple exposures and long-term sub-lethal effects. Moreover, a truly holistic sustainability assessment would need to take into account factors beyond chemical hazards, e.g. energy consumption, air pollution or waste generation.

Marko Perkovic - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • A generic Ballast Water discharge assessment model as a decision supporting tool in Ballast Water management
    Decision Support Systems, 2012
    Co-Authors: Matej David, Marko Perkovic, Valter Suban, Stephan Gollasch
    Abstract:

    One of the critical issues in species invasion ecology is the need to understand and evaluate the dimensions and processes of aquatic organisms transfer with vessels Ballast Water. The assessment of the quantity of Ballast Water discharged as the medium of transfer is one of the basic elements of the decision making process in Ballast Water risk assessment and management. The possibility to assess this in advance of the vessel's arrival to a port enhances the management process and gives port authorities a decision supporting tool to respond in time with adequate measures. A new generic Ballast Water discharge assessment model has been prepared. The model is based on vessel cargo operation and vessel dimensions. The model was tested on real shipping traffic and Ballast Water discharge data for the Port of Koper, Slovenia. The results show high confidence in predicting whether a vessel will discharge Ballast Water, as well in assessing the quantity of Ballast Water (to be) discharged. Highlights? A model to predict Ballast Water discharge was developed. ? The model was applied to the Port of Koper and verified on reported data from vessels. ? The model assesses vessel specific Ballast Water discharges. ? Ballast Water discharge information is crucial for risk assessment and management. ? The model is a decision support tool for a more effective management in shipping.

  • Ballast Water sampling as a critical component of biological invasions risk management.
    Marine pollution bulletin, 2004
    Co-Authors: Matej David, Marko Perkovi, Marko Perkovic
    Abstract:

    The human mediated transfer of harmful organisms via shipping, specifically via Ballast Water transport, leading to the loss of biodiversity, alteration of ecosystems, negative impacts on human health and in some regions economic loss, has raised considerable attention especially in the last decade. Ballast Water sampling is very important for biological invasions risk management. The complexity of Ballast Water sampling is a result of both the variety of organism diversity and behaviour, as well as ship design including availability of Ballast Water sampling points. Furthermore, Ballast Water sampling methodology is influenced by the objectives of the sampling study. In the course of research conducted in Slovenia, new sampling equipment for ships' Ballast Water was developed and tested. In this paper new Ballast Water sampling methods and equipment together with practical shipboard testing results are presented.