Review study of ballast water treatment system: Review of ballast water treatment system technologies.

Abstract

ABSTRACT
The transfer of ballast water is considered the major global pathway for spread of invasive spices and sediments in the aquatic environment, resulting to devastating impact in the coastal waters. There have been various technologies and studies been conducted to provide solutions on the problems caused by the ballast water. This review study discusses the various ballast water treatment system techniques and their applications been applied in the maritime industry. The physical treatment is most simple, sustainable, cost effective, and environmental-friendly technique among all others, and chemical methods always generates its relevant disinfection by-product, while treatment system employing both heating and electric field technology, are more expensive but their effectiveness is not affected by the ballast water composition, salinity, or temperature level of their surrounding waters. As each treatment technology has its strength and weaknesses, it can be concluded that no particular treatment technology has total efficiency in managing the microorganism, but the combination of various treatment techniques will be highly effective and efficient. There is a need for further research, and practical implementation towards improving the existing technology and obtaining a sustainable maritime ecosystem.