What is the primary function of ballast water treatment systems?

The primary function of ballast water treatment systems is to minimize the introduction of invasive species into new environments. Ballast water is taken on by ships to provide stability and balance during transit, but it can also carry aquatic organisms from one region to another. When this water is discharged into a different ecosystem, it may introduce species that could disrupt local ecosystems, harm native species, and lead to significant ecological and economic consequences.

By treating ballast water before discharge, these systems help ensure that organisms are removed or inactivated, thereby reducing the risk of these potentially harmful invasions. This function is critical in protecting marine biodiversity and maintaining the health of aquatic habitats.