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19 02 2011

Electrolysis , a Potential Treatment Method For Ballast Water

Posted by: Andre May in SW5, Uncategorized, tags: , , ,

Ballast water is a major vector for transporting aquatic alien species and The International Marine Organization (IMO) has implemented new international regulations to treat ship’s ballast water (BW) before discharge. One potential treatment is electrolysis; however electrolysis can corrode the interior of ballast tanks. Dr. Guangzhou Lui et al from Zhejiang University, Chemistry Department, China are analyzing the effects of electrolysis on Q235 steel.

Using four different concentrations of total residual chlorine (TRC) (0,5,10,20 mg/L) on Q235 steel, the group analyzed TRC’s effect on Q235 to determine which concentration will remain effective at treating ballast water without corroding the metal. The TRC was analyzed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Concentration levels of 5 and 10 mg/L enhanced the corrosion of steel while 20mg/L TRC inhibited the corrosion

Dr Lui et al concluded that electrolysis which result in TRC levels greater than 10 mg/L is more efficient on alien species and these TRC levels are not detrimental to the ship’s structural integrity.

 Source: Acta Metall Sin 2010, 46(09) 1093-1097 DOI:   10.3724/SP.J.1037.2010.00239

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2 Responses to “Electrolysis , a Potential Treatment Method For Ballast Water”

  1.   Ming Ming Wang Says:
    February 19th, 2011 at 6:14 pm

    I think using electrolysis is a good idea, and should be fairly cheap. Im curious as to how electrolysis will affect the waters around the balast tanks. I think scientists should be more worried about its environmental impacts as opposed to its effects on ships.

  2.   Nancy Anderson Goodridge Says:
    March 25th, 2011 at 6:09 am

    Regulations for new standards should be issued next month (April, 2011). Representatives from all aspects of the shipping industry, including scientists and environmentalists provide input to the Coast Guard prior to development of the regulations. Proposed rules are then issued for public comment, and those comments addressed before the rules are Final. So what worries scientists have should be addressed, if submitted. Electrolysis equipment will require approval and reports of outputs submitted at least annually, so ballast water cleansing will be carefully monitored.