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Microbial dynamics in acetate-enriched ballast water at different temperatures
Peter Paul Stehouwer1, Cees van Slooten, Louis Peperzak
1Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research/NIOZ, Department of Biological Oceanography, 1790 AB Den Burg, The Netherlands. pstehouwer@gmail.com
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
|July 23, 2013
Summary
Ballast water treatment using Peraclean® Ocean releases acetate. Its breakdown is slow in cold waters, potentially causing eutrophication and microbial changes in marine environments.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Environmental science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Ships' ballast water poses an ecological threat due to invasive species.
- International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandates ballast water discharge standards.
- Peraclean® Ocean is an 'active substance' treatment leaving acetate residuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate microbial dynamics and acetate degradation in ballast water.
- Assess the environmental impact of Peraclean® Ocean residuals.
- Determine the influence of temperature on acetate breakdown.
Main Methods:
- Microbial dynamics and acetate degradation measured in illuminated microcosms with discharged water.
- Studies conducted in dark microcosms simulating ballast tanks at temperatures from -1°C to 25°C.
Main Results:
- Acetate breakdown accelerated with increasing temperature.
- At 25°C, bacterial growth, nutrient/oxygen consumption, and DOC reduction were highest.
- At -1°C, bacterial growth was significantly delayed.
- Acetate pool remained at 25°C due to nutrient/oxygen limitations.
- Acetate breakdown was extremely slow at low temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Incomplete acetate degradation occurs in ballast water tanks, even in warm conditions.
- Slow acetate breakdown at low temperatures poses risks.
- Regular discharge of acetate-rich ballast water can lead to eutrophication and microbial community shifts, particularly in cold regions.
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