Investigation and evaluation of risk of pathogen transfer by ballast water in Shahid Rajaee Port, Hormozgan Province, Iran
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.The Ballast Water Management Convention significantly reduced Vibrio cholerae in ships entering Iran, lowering pathogen transfer risks. Compliance with exchange guidelines was observed, but ongoing monitoring is crucial.
Area Of Science
- Marine microbiology
- Environmental science
- Public health
Background
- Ballast water transport poses ecological risks by introducing invasive species and pathogens.
- The International Maritime Organization's Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention mandates measures to mitigate these risks.
- Effective implementation of the BWM Convention is crucial for protecting marine ecosystems and human health.
Purpose Of The Study
- To assess the impact of the BWM Convention on microbial contamination in ship ballast water.
- To quantify the prevalence of key bacterial indicators (Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, Enterococci) before and after the BWM Convention's enforcement in Iran.
- To investigate the correlation between physical parameters, ballast water retention time, and bacterial levels.
Main Methods
- Ballast water samples were collected from ships at Shahid Rajaee Port, Iran, before and after the BWM Convention's 2017 implementation.
- Bacterial analysis identified Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, and Enterococci.
- Physical parameters (temperature, salinity, pH) were measured, and ballast water retention times were recorded.
- Rigorous protocols ensured sample integrity and prevented contamination.
Main Results
- Vibrio cholerae prevalence decreased from 42% (retention 2-58 days) before the convention to 2.4% (retention 2-3 days) after.
- Post-convention, only one ship (6.6%) exceeded the standard for V. cholerae; E. coli and Enterococci levels were below standards.
- Significant correlations were found between bacterial levels, physical parameters, and ballast water retention time, though V. cholerae was less affected by physical factors.
- Ships generally adhered to BWM Convention exchange guidelines for the Persian Gulf region.
Conclusions
- The BWM Convention has effectively reduced the risk of pathogen transfer via ballast water in the studied region.
- Compliance with ballast water exchange protocols is a key factor in mitigating microbial contamination.
- Continuous monitoring and enforcement are essential to ensure sustained effectiveness of the BWM Convention.
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